The Earth Foundation invites secondary school students aged 13–19, working individually or in teams, to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges at the local, national, or global level. Participants receive mentorship, learning resources, and expert guidance to refine their projects, with selected entries competing for cash prizes of up to US$12,500. The competition is open worldwide to eligible secondary school students. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Earth Prize Schools Competition
youth
Blue Ocean — Student Entrepreneur Competition
The Blue Ocean Competition is a global entrepreneurship competition for high school students aged 14–18 that challenges participants to develop innovative business ideas to address real-world problems in areas such as sustainability, social impact, and economic development. Students can compete individually or in teams, progressing through written pitches and virtual presentations, with finalists gaining access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The competition awards cash prizes and scholarships, helping winners further develop or launch their ideas. It is open to students worldwide. The application deadline is 22 February 2026. Blue Ocean Competition
Climate Tracker — Climate Journalism Mentorship Program
Climate Tracker invited applications for the Climate Journalism Mentoring Program, exclusive to Latin America. Journalists from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Mexico will publish stories on the impact of the climate crisis in the region, with a focus on the transition to fair energy. Journalists receive a total financial incentive of US$900 (US$$300 for each story published). The application deadline is 01 March 2026. Climate Journalism Mentorship Program
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2026, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
UNICEF — Fellowship on Climate Education
The UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is a global, youth-focused fellowship designed to empower young climate leaders to strengthen and transform climate education in formal and informal settings. Up to 12 fellows aged 10–30 will be selected to research, advocacy, policy shaping, storytelling, and systems change while receiving a stipend and access to mentorship, networking and visibility opportunities. Fellows are also eligible for up to US$20 thousand in grant support to expand their initiatives. The application deadline is 31 December 2025. UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship
UN Decade Youth Task Force — Microgrants
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force Microgrant Call supports youth-led initiatives that advance ecosystem restoration and environmental action under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The call is open to youth-led groups, organizations, and informal collectives from around the world that are actively implementing or planning small-scale restoration, awareness, or community-based environmental projects. Selected initiatives receive microgrants of up to US$5,000 to support project implementation. Applications are open until 31 December 2025. More here
Algalita — Mini Grants to Combat Plastic Pollution
The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant supports student-led projects that reduce plastic pollution and protect ocean health. The grant is open to students ages 11–25 worldwide who are leading or developing projects that address the root cause of plastic pollution. Selected applicants can receive up to US $500 to support project materials, outreach, or implementation. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Link
International Fund for Animal Welfare — International Youth Art Contest
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) invites young artists worldwide to submit original hand-drawn artwork to the World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026. The theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. Finalists and winners will be showcased at the official World Wildlife Day (March 2026). The contest is free to enter, and all artwork must be created with traditional media (markers, crayons, colored pencils, or paint), scanned or photographed in high resolution, and submitted online by 01 February 2026. Youth Art Contest
New Leaders Initiative — Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership
The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors and recognizes the leadership efforts of young people who are working for the protection of the planet. Recipients will receive a US$3,000 cash prize, a professionally produced short film about their work, and flight and lodging accommodations for a weeklong trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. Youth environmental change leaders ages 13 to 22 living in North America (including Mexico, Canada, and some Caribbean Islands) are encouraged to apply. The application deadline for submission is 31 March 2026. Brower Youth Awards
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$10 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. Link to Social Shifters