The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC)

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is an annual global initiative led by the Learning Planet Institute that invites young changemakers aged 15 to 26 to develop innovative education projects that address pressing issues in learning and society. Participants submit project proposals aligned with one of three core themes: Community Impact (including peace, democracy and inclusion), Flourishing (focused on well-being and socio-emotional development), or Sustainability (targeting planetary health and circular economy). The challenge seeks to empower youth to shape the future of education by turning their ideas into actionable programmes with real-world impact and relevance.

Selected submissions, up to 60 shortlisted projects, receive online training, including targeted mentorship, masterclasses and practical tools to strengthen their concepts and design approaches. Shortlisted participants also gain visibility on the Learning Planet projects platform and access a global community of education leaders, partners and changemakers. An international jury selects 12 ambassadors from this cohort, each of whom receives a grant to advance their project and tailored networking opportunities, including invitations to international events to showcase and expand their work. Ambassadors also earn certification through the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth.

Through structured training, global exposure and financial support, the Youth Design Challenge aims to strengthen youth leadership, foster cross-border collaboration on educational innovation and amplify youth-led solutions that contribute to sustainable, inclusive learning systems worldwide.

• 📅 Key Dates

  Application deadline

  • Call closes on 15 January 2026 at 23:59 CET.

  Shortlisting and selection

  • February 2026: Projects shortlisted by an international jury (top ~60) and communicated to participants.

  Training & mentorship

  • March - June 2026: Online training, mentorship, webinars or masterclasses for shortlisted teams.

  Ambassador selection & celebration

  • July 2026: Final ambassadors (top 12) selected, announced and celebrated.

  ‍ ‍Repetition

  • The Youth Design Challenge is an annual, recurring initiative undertaken by the Learning Planet Institute.

• 👥 Eligibility

  Age requirements

  • Applicants must be aged 15–26 years at the time of application.

  Location or citizenship

  • Open globally.

  • Applicants may be based in any country; no citizenship or visa restrictions apply.

  Field or background

  • Open to all fields and disciplines.

  • Applicants must propose a project connected to education and learning innovation, aligned with one of the challenge themes:

    • Community impact (e.g. peace, inclusion, democracy)

    • Flourishing and well-being

    • Sustainability and planetary health

  • Prior experience in education, social impact, or entrepreneurship is not required.

  Language requirements

  • Applications and programme activities are conducted in English.

  • Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to participate in online training, mentorship and presentations.

  Project requirements

  • Applicants must submit a clear project proposal, either at idea, pilot or early implementation stage.

  • Projects must be youth-led and demonstrate potential for real-world educational impact.

  Other conditions

  • Shortlisted applicants must be available to participate in online training and mentoring across the programme period.

  • Ambassadors selected at the final stage must be willing to engage in visibility, networking and knowledge-sharing activities linked to the programme.