The Green Institute has announced the opening of applications for the February 2027 cohort of its Officially Green Global Fellowship, an international programme designed to equip young people with sustainability knowledge, leadership skills and practical environmental experience.

The fellowship is open to applicants aged 18 to 35 worldwide who are interested in environmental education, sustainability advocacy and community development.

Selected participants will be expected to establish an Officially Green Club in a primary or secondary school, educate young people about sustainable practices and implement community-based environmental initiatives.

Applications close on January 7, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. GMT.

What the Officially Green Global Fellowship Offers

The programme provides participants with opportunities to strengthen their understanding of sustainability while gaining practical experience in environmental education and community engagement.

Fellows will benefit from:

• Training and learning: Access to sustainability knowledge through designated fellowship conferences and learning activities.
• Leadership development: Opportunities to strengthen communication, advocacy and project-management skills.
• Community engagement: Practical experience educating young people and encouraging environmentally responsible practices.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with other young people passionate about sustainability and environmental action.
• Certificate: Recognition for participants who successfully complete all fellowship requirements.
• US$1,000 post-fellowship award: One outstanding fellow may receive financial support to continue or expand an impactful sustainability initiative. The award is competitive and is not automatically guaranteed to selected participants.

Participants must also complete a compulsory Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), attend designated conferences and provide evidence of their fellowship activities.

Who Can Apply?

The Officially Green Global Fellowship welcomes applications from individuals worldwide who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old by the application deadline.
• Demonstrate an interest in sustainability and environmental action.
• Be willing to share sustainability knowledge with younger generations.
• Commit to attending designated fellowship conferences and participating in learning activities.
• Have reliable internet access and the ability to document and report project activities.

Applicants are not required to have professional sustainability qualifications or extensive experience in the environmental sector. However, they must be willing to participate actively and fulfil the programme’s community engagement responsibilities.

Responsibilities of Selected Fellows

Successful applicants will be required to translate their learning into practical environmental initiatives throughout the fellowship.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Establishing an Officially Green Club: Create and sustain a club in a primary or secondary school, reaching at least 20 young students.
• Environmental education: Help students understand sustainability and encourage them to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
• Promoting the Officially Green pledges: Use social media and community engagement to communicate the programme’s seven pledges, including the hashtag #OfficiallyGreen.
• Participating in fellowship activities: Attend designated conferences, complete the compulsory MOOC and contribute to programme discussions.
• Reporting and documentation: Submit brief reports and other evidence demonstrating completed activities and their outcomes.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to consider these commitments before applying, particularly the requirement to identify a suitable school or community where they can establish and maintain an Officially Green Club.

Application Deadline and Selection Process

Applications for the February 2027 cohort will close on January 7, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. GMT.

According to the Green Institute, applicants will be notified of their application outcomes by email during the first week of February 2027.

Selection for the fellowship does not automatically qualify participants for the completion certificate or the US$1,000 post-fellowship award. Both are subject to meeting the relevant programme requirements, while the financial award additionally depends on documented evidence of impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply by following these steps:

1. Visit the Officially Green Global Fellowship webpage.
2. Review the eligibility criteria, programme activities and participation commitments.
3. Click on Apply Now to access the online application form.
4. Complete the application with accurate information and submit it before the deadline.

Application deadline: January 7, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. GMT.

Apply here: Officially Green Global Fellowship Application

SOURCE: Green Institute