The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) is an online launchpad for youth-led social impact projects, run by the Learning Planet Institute in Paris, France. Young people aged 15 to 26 pitch projects online that can create real-world impact in their communities, under one of three themes: Peace & Democracy, Mental Health & Wellbeing or Environment & Climate. 60 projects are shortlisted for online training and mentorship, and 12 ambassadors receive a $1,000 grant. Proposals close on 07 January 2027 at 23:59 CET. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the organiser's official page and set out what the challenge offers below. This is a competition in the Others category: it is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
What the Youth Design Challenge Is
🚀 Format: a launchpad for youth-led social impact projects, with pitches submitted online
👥 Participants: young people aged 15 to 26
🏢 Organiser: the Learning Planet Institute
🌐 Reach: open to young people around the world; the page lists no country restriction
💬 Idea behind it: over half the world's population is under 30, yet many young people with solutions for the planet lack support, networks and funding. The challenge backs these young leaders and helps them grow their education projects for a more sustainable future.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Project: Please Read First
⚠️ Different programme: the challenge is organised by the Learning Planet Institute and is not funded or run under Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps
💳 Fees: the official page lists no participation or application fee
🔎 Check before you apply: read the conditions on the organiser's page and sign-up form before submitting anything
Three Themes Your Project Can Follow
Projects should align with one of the following themes:
🕊️ Peace & Democracy
🧠 Mental Health & Wellbeing
🌱 Environment & Climate
What You Get: Training, Prizes and Recognition
🎓 Training: the 60 shortlisted projects benefit from online training, including targeted mentorship, masterclasses and practical tools to develop their project
💵 Prizes: 12 projects are selected by the jury as ambassadors and each receives a $1,000 grant to advance the project
📜 Certification: by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY)
📢 Visibility: all 60 shortlisted projects are featured on the Learning Planet Institute projects platform and shared across a global network of education leaders, partners and changemakers
✈️ Ambassador perks: the 12 ambassadors are invited to international events and receive tailored networking to advance their projects
Timeline of the 2026-27 Challenge
🌐 22 September 2026: launch of the 2026-27 challenge, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly
📬 Mid-October 2026: call for proposals open
⏳ 7 January 2027, 23:59 CET: closing date for the call for proposals
🏆 February: 60 projects selected by an international jury
🧑🏫 March to June 2027: online training and mentorship for the 60 projects, with integration into a global Community of Practice
🎉 July 2027: selection and celebration of the 12 ambassadors
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Who Can Apply
The challenge is for young people aged 15 to 26 with a project idea that can create real-world impact in their communities and fits one of the three themes: Peace & Democracy, Mental Health & Wellbeing, or Environment & Climate. Pitches are made online, so no travel is needed to take part.
How to Apply
🖊️ Click "I'm signing up!" on the official programme page to reach the sign-up form
🧩 Choose the theme that fits your project: Peace & Democracy, Mental Health & Wellbeing, or Environment & Climate
⏳ Submit your proposal before 7 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Find more opportunities like this on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge?
It is a launchpad for youth-led social impact projects. Participants aged 15 to 26 pitch projects online that can create real-world impact in their communities.
Is it an Erasmus+ or ESC project?
No. It is organised by the Learning Planet Institute and is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps.
How old do I have to be?
Participants are aged between 15 and 26.
Which themes can my project follow?
One of three: Peace & Democracy, Mental Health & Wellbeing, or Environment & Climate.
How many projects are shortlisted?
60 projects are shortlisted and benefit from online training, including targeted mentorship, masterclasses and practical tools.
What does the prize include?
12 of the shortlisted projects are selected by the jury as ambassadors and receive a $1,000 grant to advance their projects. They are also invited to international events and receive tailored networking.
Who certifies the programme?
Certification comes from the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY).
Is there a fee to take part?
The official page lists no participation or application fee.
What is the deadline?
The call for proposals closes on 7 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
When does the training take place?
Online training and mentorship for the 60 projects run from March to June 2027.
Deadline
⏳ 07 January 2027
Links
🔗 Official programme page: https://www.learningplanetinstitute.org/en/programs/learning-planet-youth-design-challenge
📝 Sign-up form: https://form.jotform.com/262853499644069
✉️ Contact: designchallenge@learningplanetinstitute.org
