Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026–2027

Scholarship Details

Introduction

Applications are open for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) 2026–2027, an international initiative organised by the Learning Planet Institute to support young people developing projects that address real-world challenges in their communities.

The challenge is designed for young changemakers aged 15–26 who want to turn their ideas into practical initiatives that create positive social impact. It provides an opportunity to present a project, receive professional guidance, strengthen its design and connect with an international network of educators, development professionals, partners and fellow innovators.

For the 2026–2027 edition, the challenge focuses on three major areas: Peace and Democracy, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Environment and Climate.

AdAdvertise here

A total of 60 shortlisted projects will benefit from online training, mentorship, masterclasses and practical tools. From these, 12 projects will be selected by an international jury as ambassadors, with each receiving a US$1,000 grant to advance their work.

The programme also offers certification, international visibility and networking opportunities for selected participants.

Young people in Nigeria and other countries who are developing initiatives within the challenge’s focus areas can explore the opportunity and review the official application instructions before submitting their projects.

Benefits

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge offers several benefits to young people whose projects are shortlisted.

1. US$1,000 Project Grant

Twelve projects will be selected by an international jury as ambassadors. Each selected ambassador will receive a US$1,000 grant to support the advancement of their project.

The grant is intended to help the selected project progress. It should not be confused with a university tuition scholarship or a guaranteed personal cash award for every applicant.

2. Online Training

The 60 shortlisted projects will participate in online training scheduled for March to June 2027.

The training is designed to help participants strengthen their projects and develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to move their ideas forward.

3. Targeted Mentorship

Shortlisted project leaders will receive targeted mentorship to help them improve their initiatives. They will also have access to masterclasses and practical tools relevant to developing their projects.

4. Certification

The 60 shortlisted projects will benefit from certification by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY), according to the programme information.

5. International Recognition

All 60 shortlisted projects will be featured on the Learning Planet Institute’s projects platform. Their work will also be shared across a global network of education leaders, partners and changemakers.

This visibility can help participants present their initiatives to a wider audience.

6. International Events and Networking

The 12 selected ambassadors will be invited to international events and receive tailored networking opportunities to help them advance their projects.

These opportunities can help them connect with people and organisations working on related social-impact challenges.

7. Global Community of Practice

The programme includes integration into a global Community of Practice, where selected project leaders can exchange experiences and learn alongside others working to create positive change.

Eligibility

The challenge is intended for young people who are developing projects with the potential to create meaningful social impact.

To determine whether your project fits the opportunity, review the following details:

• Age: You must be between 15 and 26 years old.
• Project involvement: You should be leading or developing a youth-led social-impact project.
• Project relevance: Your project should align with at least one of the three official focus areas: Peace and Democracy, Mental Health and Wellbeing, or Environment and Climate.
• Community impact: Your initiative should address a real challenge and have the potential to make a positive difference in your community.
• Project presentation: You should be prepared to present your project and explain its purpose and intended impact through the application process.

What types of projects are relevant?

Peace and Democracy: Projects that address issues related to peace, democratic participation and related community challenges.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: Initiatives focused on mental health, wellbeing and challenges affecting individuals or communities.

Environment and Climate: Projects addressing environmental protection, sustainability, climate challenges or related issues.

These descriptions explain the programme’s broad themes; they are not a list of every project type the organisers will accept.

The challenge is international in scope. Applicants should consult the official programme and application pages for any additional eligibility requirements or submission conditions.

Deadline

The application deadline for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026–2027 is:

7 January 2027, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Applicants should submit their proposals before the stated closing time. If you are applying from Nigeria, remember to account for the time difference between Nigeria and Central Europe.

The published programme timeline is as follows:

The programme page contains an apparent year inconsistency in one timeline entry, which refers to project selection in February 2026. Since this is the 2026–2027 edition and the subsequent activities take place in 2027, applicants should confirm any updated timeline directly with the organisers.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should use the official Learning Planet Institute website to review the challenge and access the application process.

Step 1: Visit the official programme page

Open the official Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge page:

Read the programme details and follow the application instructions provided by the organisers.

Step 2: Identify your project focus

Determine whether your initiative fits one or more of the challenge’s three themes:

• Peace and Democracy
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Environment and Climate

Your project should respond to a real challenge and have a clear social-impact purpose.

Step 3: Prepare your project proposal

Develop a clear presentation of your project that explains the problem it addresses, the people or community it aims to help, and the impact you hope to achieve.

The application process involves pitching your project through the online form. Review the form carefully to identify the specific information and materials required.

The information available for this post does not establish a complete list of mandatory supporting documents, so applicants should rely on the official application form for the exact requirements.

Step 4: Submit your application online

Complete the official online application form and submit your project proposal according to the instructions provided by the Learning Planet Institute.

Check your information before submitting and ensure that your project description accurately represents your work.

Step 5: Monitor selection updates

The programme expects an international jury to select 60 projects in February 2027. If your project is shortlisted, you may proceed to the online training and mentorship stage scheduled for March to June 2027.

Following the development programme, 12 projects will be selected as ambassadors in July 2027 and receive the US$1,000 grants.

Applicants should monitor their email and the official programme website for notifications and further instructions.

Conclusion

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026–2027 is an opportunity for young people aged 15–26 who are developing practical solutions to challenges involving peace and democracy, mental health and wellbeing, or the environment and climate.

The programme offers 60 shortlisted projects online training, mentorship, certification and international visibility. Twelve selected ambassadors will each receive a US$1,000 project grant, together with additional recognition and networking opportunities.

If you are developing a relevant youth-led initiative, review the official requirements and prepare your proposal before the 7 January 2027 deadline.

Application Link

Official programme and application information:
check the website below

Application deadline: 7 January 2027, at 23:59 CET.

Organiser: Learning Planet Institute.

Opportunity type: International youth design challenge and social-impact project programme.