About the opportunity
The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program is an initiative led by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation in collaboration with Dubai Cares, Plan International, and Unbounded Associates. Designed to bridge youth passion with real-world sustainability careers, the program selects 50 young leaders between the ages of 14 and 20 from around the world. Running from December 2026 through June 2027, the experience pairs mentees with experienced green job practitioners, provides tailored workshops in project design and pitching, and supports participants in launching their own community-based SDG Changemaker Micro-Projects. The initiative also features a companion free, self-paced six-module online course.
Funding and benefits
- One-on-one tailored mentorship from experienced green job practitioners and sustainability professionals
- Specialized interactive workshops covering project management, pitching, presentation skills, and cross-cutting themes like climate, gender, and education
- Guidance and hands-on advisory support from the Ban Ki-moon Foundation and expert trainers to design and implement a local SDG Changemaker Project
- Global networking with fellow youth leaders and international climate practitioners
- Access to a free 6-module online course with a certificate signed by Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Complete program participation without tuition or participation fees
Who can apply?
- Open to youth worldwide between the ages of 14 and 20
- Demonstrated interest in climate action, sustainable development, and green career paths
- Commitment to participate actively in program activities and live online workshops from December 2026 to June 2027
- Readiness to design and execute an SDG Changemaker Micro-Project in their local community
Required documents
- Completed online application form submitted via the official Ban Ki-moon Foundation application portal
When to apply
- Application deadline: October 25, 2026, at 23:55 CET
- Program duration: December 2026 to June 2027
- The companion 6-module online course is self-paced and accessible at any time
How to apply
- Access the official program portal via bankimoon.submit.com
- Fill out and submit the online application form before the deadline of October 25, 2026, at 23:55 CET
- Selected candidates (50 youth globally) will be notified following the competitive review process to begin activities in December 2026
Additional information
- Organized by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation in partnership with Dubai Cares, Plan International, and Unbounded Associates
- The initiative also includes a Policy Recommendations Paper titled 'Transformative Education and Climate Action: The Case for Green Jobs' based on youth mentee insights
- The free online course covers six modules: Spot the Challenge, Listen to Yourself, Find Your Path, Consider The Bigger Picture, Unlock Your Inner Entrepreneur, and Build Your Green Career
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…
- Youth aged 14 to 20 with a passionate commitment to climate justice, environmental sustainability, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Young changemakers who have a concrete idea for a grassroots community project and desire professional mentorship to bring it to life
- High school or early undergraduate students seeking guidance on career development, project management, and public speaking in the green economy
What should you think carefully about?
- The program spans six months (December 2026 to June 2027) and requires consistent time commitment for live workshops, mentoring sessions, and independent project delivery
- Selection is highly competitive, with only 50 participants chosen worldwide from an open global applicant pool
- While participation and training are free of charge, the program does not advertise direct cash grants or project seed funding, meaning project designs should be resource-efficient and locally viable
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This mentorship opportunity is an excellent stepping stone for teenagers and young adults seeking early leadership exposure in sustainability. It directly supports goals of career orientation by providing personal access to green industry practitioners, while offering practical experiential learning through community micro-project execution. Completing the mentorship and accompanying online course also yields valuable credentials and project achievements suitable for college applications, fellowships, and early internship opportunities.
Our take
Youth aged 14 to 20 should strongly consider applying before the October 25 deadline if they are eager to develop leadership skills and take practical climate action in their local area. Applicants seeking funded employment, research positions, or direct financing for large-scale ventures will find this educational youth mentorship program less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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