About the opportunity
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) is an international initiative designed to empower young leaders by providing the support, networks, and funding necessary to scale their education-focused social impact projects. The program invites youth aged 15 to 26 to pitch projects that address real-world challenges within their communities. Selected participants join a global community of practice and receive professional development to refine their ideas. The challenge focuses on three core themes: Peace & Democracy, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Environment & Climate. By connecting young changemakers with mentors and international networks, the LPYDC aims to foster collaborative decision-making and provide a platform for youth to actively shape a more sustainable future.
Funding and benefits
- Online training, targeted mentorship, and practical tools for 60 shortlisted projects
- $1,000 grant for 12 selected ambassadors to advance their projects
- Certification by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY)
- Visibility on the Learning Planet Institute projects platform and across a global network of education leaders
- Invitation to international events and tailored networking opportunities for the 12 ambassadors
Who can apply?
- Youth aged between 15 and 26
- Must have a youth-led social impact project
- Projects must align with themes: Peace & Democracy, Mental Health & Wellbeing, or Environment & Climate
Required documents
- Project proposal (submitted via online form)
When to apply
- Launch of the 2026–27 Challenge: 22 September 2026
- Call for proposals: Open as of mid-October 2026
- Closing date for proposals: 7 January 2027, 23:59 CET
How to apply
- Visit the official sign-up page
- Complete the online application form to pitch the project
- Wait for the selection process by the international jury in February 2027
Additional information
- The program is part of a broader set of youth engagement and education initiatives run by the Learning Planet Institute.
- The 2026-27 edition follows a successful 2025-26 cycle that featured 702 projects from 109 countries.
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…
- Young social entrepreneurs aged 15-26 who have an active or early-stage project and are looking for professional mentorship.
- Individuals seeking international recognition and a UN-backed certification to boost the credibility of their community-based work.
- Applicants who value peer-to-peer learning and want to join a global community of changemakers working on sustainability and education.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program is highly competitive, as evidenced by the hundreds of projects submitted in previous cycles.
- The $1,000 grant is awarded only to the 12 selected ambassadors, not to all 60 shortlisted finalists.
- Participants must be prepared to commit to online training and mentorship sessions between March and June 2027.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is an excellent fit for young leaders who need a structured environment to refine their project models and gain visibility. Whether you are looking to scale an existing initiative or need the validation of a global network to move from ideation to implementation, the LPYDC provides the necessary tools and connections to accelerate your impact.
Our take
This is a highly recommended program for young social innovators who are serious about their projects and want to connect with a global network of peers and mentors. It is less suitable for those who are not prepared to commit to a multi-month training and mentorship process or who are looking for immediate, large-scale funding beyond the $1,000 ambassador grant.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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