Overview of the Opportunity
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) is a global program that supports young people who want to make real change in their communities and the world. It is for youth aged 15–26 who are working on education projects that help people, protect the planet, or support well-being.
Many young people have great ideas, but they often lack support, training, or money to grow their projects. This challenge helps fill that gap. It gives youth the chance to learn new skills, meet global leaders, and receive funding to make their ideas stronger.
The challenge welcomes projects that fit one of three themes:
- Community Impact: Peace, democracy, and inclusion
- Flourishing: Well-being and socio-emotional development
- Sustainability: Planetary health and circular economy
If you care about improving education and creating positive change, this opportunity may be a great fit.
Benefits for Students
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge offers strong support to help young people grow their ideas. Here are the key benefits:
Training
- 60 shortlisted projects will receive online training.
- This includes targeted mentorship, live masterclasses, and practical tools to help students develop their projects.
Prizes
- 12 finalists will be chosen as ambassadors.
- Each ambassador will receive a $1,000 grant to support and expand their project.
Recognition
- All shortlisted participants will receive a certification from the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY).
- The 60 shortlisted projects will be posted on the Learning Planet projects platform and shared with a global network of educators, partners, and changemakers.
- The 12 ambassadors will be invited to international events and will receive special networking opportunities to help their projects grow even more.
These benefits make the challenge a powerful stepping stone for any young leader working to make a difference.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge, students must meet the following requirements:
- You must be between 15 and 26 years old.
- Your project must be an innovative education project.
- Your project must fit one of the three themes:
- Community Impact (peace, democracy, inclusion)
- Flourishing (well-being and socio-emotional development)
- Sustainability (planetary health and circular economy)
If your project aligns with any of these areas, you may be a great candidate.
Important Dates
Here is the timeline for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge:
- September 2025: Call to submit projects opens (during the UN General Assembly).
- January 15, 2026: Applications close.
- February 2026: An international jury selects 60 projects.
- March–June 2026: Training and mentorship take place; participants join a global Community of Practice.
- July 2026: Final selection and celebration of the 12 ambassadors.
Make sure to submit before the deadline, as late applications are not accepted.
Required Documents
The organizers did not list any required documents in the provided information.
If you plan to apply, prepare to share details about your project, but keep in mind that:
“The organizers did not provide this information.”
How to Apply
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to applying:
- Prepare your education project.
Make sure it clearly fits one of the three project themes. - Visit the official application page.
(The link was not provided in the information given.) - Complete the online submission form.
You will likely need to explain your project goals, the problem you want to solve, and how your idea helps others. - Wait for the results.
In February 2026, an international jury will choose the top 60 projects. - If selected, join the training program.
From March to June 2026, you will take part in online learning, masterclasses, and mentorship. - If chosen as one of the final 12 ambassadors, receive your grant and recognition.
If there are additional steps, they were not included in the provided details.
Tips for a Strong Application
Here are simple tips to help your application stand out:
- Be clear about your impact.
Explain how your project helps people, your community, or the planet. - Show real-world value.
Describe any progress you have already made or steps you plan to take. - Connect your project to the themes.
Make it easy for reviewers to see how your idea matches one of the challenge areas. - Keep your writing simple and direct.
Reviewers appreciate applications that are easy to understand. - Share your passion.
Tell them why this project matters to you and what inspires you. - Check your application before submitting.
Make sure everything is complete and clear.
These small steps can make a big difference in showing that you are ready for this opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is a powerful chance for young people to turn their ideas into real, meaningful action. Whether you want to support your community, promote well-being, or help protect the planet, this challenge gives you training, support, and a global network to help your project grow.
If you are between 15 and 26 and have a project that fits the themes, this could be the perfect moment to share your vision with the world.
Call to Action
Apply for Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge here: