Young people who are passionate about tackling plastic pollution now have the chance to bring their ideas to life through the Algalita Marine Research and Education Student Mini-Grant Program. This initiative offers USD 500 micro-grants to support student-driven projects that address the deeper causes of plastic waste and environmental injustice.

The program is open to students aged 11–25 who are ready to design and lead meaningful community projects, backed by mentorship, learning resources, and guidance from Algalita’s education team. A total of ten young innovators will be selected for the 2025–2026 cohort.

About the Program

Through the Wayfinder Society learning platform, the mini-grant supports students who want to explore how plastic pollution is tied to systems, behaviors, and community practices. Grantees receive funding, structured learning modules, and ongoing mentorship to help them design solutions rooted in environmental understanding and social impact.

Purpose of the Mini-Grant

The program aims to:

• Develop youth leadership in sustainability and environmental justice

• Help students understand the systemic factors driving plastic pollution

• Encourage problem-solving through creative, community-based projects

• Strengthen local action that can grow into long-term solutions

Focus Areas

Projects can take many forms and may draw inspiration from fields such as:

• Zero waste and circular systems

• Environmental and social justice

• Policy, philosophy, and social sciences

• Chemistry and environmental research

• Media, marketing, and creative communication

• Community outreach, campaigns, and education

Examples of Eligible Projects

Ideas may include:

• Introducing reusable systems in schools

• Policy research or youth advocacy

• Cleanup projects paired with film, storytelling, or data collection

• Repair cafés and creative reuse programs

• Peer-to-peer workshops or awareness campaigns

• Composting or community garden projects

• Communication or marketing strategies to reduce plastic use

• Science-based or art-based solutions

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 15 January 2026

• Successful applicants will begin activities after onboarding and advisor confirmation

Why Apply?

The mini-grant offers more than funding. Participants gain:

• Mentorship from Algalita’s network of educators and researchers

• A grounded understanding of plastic-pollution systems

• Leadership skills through hands-on action

• Opportunities to grow local solutions with broader impact

• A supportive community of young environmental changemakers

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 15-Jan-2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.