Eco Champions Germany 2026: Fully Funded Youth Climate Leadership Program

Are you a young person in Germany passionate about fighting climate change? The Eco Champions Germany 2026 program offers a fully funded chance to turn your ideas into real action. This 1.5-year initiative by SOS Children’s Villages picks five leaders aged 16-26 to build skills, get funding, and connect globally.

About the Eco Champions Germany 2026 Program

SOS Children’s Villages runs this program to support youth in climate action. It helps you start new projects, grow ongoing ones, or push for environmental justice. Over 18 months, you get mentoring, training, money, and links to others worldwide.

The program fits around school, work, or other duties. You commit about 5-10 hours a month, plus events like workshops. It focuses on community solutions and strong leadership.

Main Goals

This program aims to build youth power in climate work. It promotes fair climate policies and sustainable living. Leaders from groups often left out get extra support to shine.

You learn to create local fixes for big problems like pollution or energy use. The program also pushes youth into talks with leaders on policy.

Benefits for Participants

Selected Eco Champions receive full support to make projects happen.

Monthly Funding

You get €300 each month. Use it for your climate project costs over the full program.

One-on-One Mentoring

Experts guide you on leadership, project plans, and speaking out. They help tailor advice to your goals.

Skills Training

Join workshops on project management, advocacy, and more. These build tools for long-term success.

Global Connections

Meet climate youth from other countries. Join networks for ideas and teamwork.

Trip to Nigeria Summit

Attend the Global Summit from September 21-27, 2026. All costs covered. Share plans and learn from others.

Company Partnerships

Work with SOS network firms to boost your project reach.

Meet Decision-Makers

Get spots to talk policy at events. Influence real change.

Who Is Eligible?

Apply if you live in Germany and are 16-26 years old. You need English skills and ideas for climate work. Past activism helps but is not required.

Be ready for monthly activities and the Nigeria trip. Online interviews come after shortlisting.

Groups We Prioritize

The program welcomes apps from:

• Young women and girls
• Queer youth
• Refugees and migrants
• People facing racism
• Low-income youth
• Those with disabilities
• Youth without steady family support
• First-generation students
• People from poor areas
• Other underrepresented groups

Project Focus Areas

Your idea can cover:

Climate Protection

Cut CO2, promote clean energy, or spark green inventions.

Education Efforts

Teach climate facts, run awareness drives, or train other youth.

Advocacy Work

Push policies, protest, or spread policy info.

Community Building

Rally locals for green changes or youth-led fixes.

Key Dates

• Applications open: April 20, 2026
• Deadline: May 20, 2026
• Interviews: Until June 17, 2026
• Selections: By June 24, 2026
• Start: July 1, 2026
• Nigeria Summit: September 21-27, 2026
• Ends: After 18 months

How the Program Works

Phase 1: Getting Started (July-September 2026)

Meet the group, prep for summit, build team spirit.

Phase 2: Global Summit (September 2026)

Travel to Nigeria for talks and links with world youth.

Phase 3: Build and Grow (October 2026 on)

Get funding, mentoring, and help to launch your project.

The program follows feminist and anti-racist rules. It makes space safe and open for all needs.

Common Questions

Do I pay to apply or join?
No. Everything is free, including the summit and training.

How much money do I get?
€300 monthly for your project.

Is it flexible for busy schedules?
Yes. It fits with school, jobs, or family care.

What projects work?
Any climate campaign, innovation, education, activism, or community plan.

Are interviews online?
Yes. Help available for tech issues.

Who picks winners?
SOS staff from many countries review apps.

What do they look for?
Your story, passion, project fit, leadership, past work, and fresh ideas.

Apply now at the official form. Contact [email protected] for questions. This program equips you to lead climate change right where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Eco Champions Germany 2026 program?

You can apply if you live in Germany, are aged 16-26, have English skills, and have ideas for climate action. Past activism helps but is not needed.

What funding and support do participants receive?

You get €300 monthly for your project, one-on-one mentoring, skills training, global connections, a fully funded trip to the Nigeria Summit, and more.

What are the key dates for applications?

Applications open April 20, 2026, with a deadline of May 20, 2026. Interviews run until June 17, selections by June 24, and the program starts July 1, 2026.

Is the program flexible for busy schedules?

Yes, it requires about 5-10 hours a month plus events, and it fits around school, work, or other duties.