APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL JUNE 30, 2026

–Entry to and participation in the prize is free
–Applicants must share a short video introducing their project and accompanying written or visual materials that show evidence of their work and its impact
–Submissions are accepted in English or Spanish  
–Deadline for applications is June 30, 2026, at 11:59pm EDT

–Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 25 at the time of application
–Groups of a maximum of three may enter. Each group member must meet the eligibility criteria
–Applicants can be located anywhere in the world
–Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a live project with demonstrable impact in addressing or mitigating the impacts of climate change in their community. They must be actively leading the project at the time of application
–Eligible projects may span a wide range of climate-related issues, sectors, and creative practices, with a particular emphasis on design as a driver of climate solutions

–Individual mentorship by one of the world's great designers
–Weekly attendance to The World Around's Design Academy, providing training and tools for storytelling, communication, and public engagement
–Strategic guidance on scaling and strengthening your project
–Join a global peer network of young climate leaders 
–The opportunity to travel to New York City and present their work on stage
–Participation in Young Climate Prize Fellowship for three years beyond the program

Anyone aged 13-25 who is the founder or co-founder of a climate-action project. Whether you're addressing climate through design, activism, science, or education—if you started it and currently lead it, we want to hear from you. Projects can be local or global, and applications are open to young people anywhere in the world.

Simply submit a description of your project and a short video.

No. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters, the prize is entirely free to enter and participate in.

Yes! We accept applications from teams of up to three co-founders, as long as all members meet the eligibility criteria individually (no averaging of age) and are actively leading the project.

Yes. You must be a founder or co-founder actively leading the project. Unfortunately, team members, contributors, or volunteers without a founding role aren’t eligible to apply.

Our jury looks for projects that are original, impactful, and already making a difference. We also look for applicants who are eager to learn, grow and will actively engage with a cohort of fellow global activists and make the most of the mentorship opportunity.

No. The Young Climate Prize recognizes people who are already putting their ideas into action. We’re looking for real-world projects that have already begun to make a difference.

Yes! Parents, teachers, mentors, and peers can all nominate someone they believe is a great fit. Nominees must be 13-25 years old and actively leading a climate project. Nominate here. 

Definitely. We welcome professionals from across disciplines who are excited to mentor the next generation of climate leaders. Register your interest below to get involved. Apply Now 

You can help by spreading the word, nominating a young leader, signing up as a mentor—or donating to keep the program free, accessible, and global.

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