About the opportunity
The Leading Change Fellowship is a virtual leadership development program designed for individuals aged 19–35 in Canada who are early in their professional journey or transitioning into sustainability, environmental, or social impact work. Running from September 2026 to February 2027, the Fellowship focuses on three interconnected areas: Environmental Prosperity and Resilience, Financial Wellbeing, and Cooperation in Business. Fellows participate in bi-weekly virtual sessions, learn from experts, build connections with a national network of peers, and complete a collaborative impact project presented to industry and community leaders.
Funding and benefits
- Comprehensive leadership development in environmental resilience, financial wellbeing, and cooperative business models.
- Access to expert-led workshops, interactive peer discussions, and a national network of changemakers.
- Practical experience through a collaborative impact project presented to industry leaders on February 9, 2027.
- Potential financial support for select collaborative impact projects seeking further development or implementation beyond the Fellowship.
- Accessible participation through a flexible sliding-scale contribution model.
Who can apply?
- Must be aged 19–35 at the time of the program.
- Must reside in Canada.
- Must be early in your career, navigating a career transition, or looking to grow your capacity as a leader in sustainability or social impact.
- Open to applicants from all educational backgrounds, industries, and lived experiences; no prior sustainability title or expertise required.
- Must be committed to active participation in bi-weekly virtual sessions and approximately 15–20 hours of collaborative project work.
Required documents
- Answers to short written application questions
- A one-minute video introduction
- Current résumé
When to apply
- Applications open: August 18, 2026
- Application deadline: September 7, 2026
- Applicant notification date: September 21, 2026
- Welcome and onboarding session: September 29, 2026
- Program duration: September 29, 2026 to February 9, 2027
How to apply
- Visit the official Leading Change Fellowship 2026 application page.
- Complete the online application form with your personal details.
- Answer the short written response questions regarding your motivation and experiences.
- Record and attach a one-minute video introduction.
- Upload your current résumé and submit the application before the September 7, 2026 deadline.
Additional information
- Virtual sessions occur bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.
- Generative AI tools should not be used to draft or substantially write application responses, though grammar and translation tools are permitted.
- Fellows may miss up to one workshop per content module with at least 24 hours' prior notice.
- Employers or sponsors can be provided official documentation to support employee participation.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals aged 19–35 currently residing in Canada.
- Early-career professionals or those looking to pivot into sustainability and social impact work.
- Candidates who can commit to bi-weekly virtual sessions and 15–20 hours of project work.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program uses a sliding-scale contribution model, with a suggested $200 contribution.
- Participation is strictly virtual, requiring reliable access to digital tools.
- The program has a fixed duration from September 2026 to February 2027, requiring consistent attendance.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is a valuable goal for those seeking to build a national network of peers and gain practical experience in environmental and financial resilience. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who want to bridge the gap between their current professional background and a career in sustainability through a collaborative, expert-led project.
Our take
This is a strong choice for young professionals in Canada looking to expand their leadership capacity and network in the sustainability sector; those unable to commit to the bi-weekly schedule may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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