Climate Connaction: Youth Climate Fellowship Program

Young people have been at the forefront of the climate movement, demanding
action from policymakers and driving change in their communities. To mitigate the
impact of climate change, urgent action is needed. The goal of the fellowship is to
empower 25 young leaders, thinkers or campaigners in their commitment by
offering trainings, workshops, and access to an expert network in preparation
for the upcoming COP 28. During the seven-month program, we will offer a variety of
need-based trainings (communication, media and organising skills) as well as
exchange and networking opportunities. Our aim is to enhance the next generation’s
skills and capacity to tackle climate change effectively. Climate change is a global
issue with specific regional challenges and requires diverse perspectives and
solutions. This program specifically targets Central and Eastern Europe as well as the
Western Balkans and will thereby contribute to the global conversation on climate
change.

Apply here by 2 May, 9 am CEST

Eligibility Criteria

You are acting on climate change issues as a volunteer, a student, an individual, or a young professional in, among others, a grassroots initiative, a political party (or its youth organization) or in the media, arts & culture sphere.
You are 18–29 years old and a citizen or resident of one of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia.
You can commit to a seven-month Fellowship that will include virtual work, three educational travel trips and a climate policy study trip in Europe (for more information see the preliminary timeline below).
You have good command of the English language as well as strong communication skills.

We especially encourage applications from persons belonging to groups or minorities that
are structurally discriminated against. In case of identical qualifications, applicants from
such groups or minorities will be favored.

Project Background

The Climate Fellowship Program offers young climate leaders opportunities to
grow, develop skills and make connections across Europe. Through study trips,
training and networking formats, this fellowship has the goal to amplify their voices
in the public sphere and to ensure that their perspectives are taken into account to
shape the direction and priorities of climate action. The project Climate Connaction
by Das Progressive Zentrum is funded by the German Foreign Office.

Preliminary Timeline

Mid-May

Digital kick-off of the Fellowship

7th to 9th of June

Educational travel to Bonn (during the Climate Change Conference)

September

Climate policy study trip to Berlin

October

3-day educational travel to a CEE or Western Balkan country or Brussels, including a training session and meeting with local climate activists

December

Digital activities surrounding the COP 28 (30th November till December 12)

In a Nutshell

Who are we looking for?

Young leaders, campaigners, creatives, and thinkers

between 18 and 29 years

from the Western Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe or Germany

who are passionate about climate and environmental protection

What do we offer?

We offer a unique opportunity to build up skills and capacities through different
trainings and workshops in order to enhance the impact of your actions.

With two in-person meetings and digital workshops, as well as a climate policy
study trip, we help you build a strong network of like-minded peers and experts.
The seven-month fellowship is compensated with €1,350.00. All costs for travel and
accommodations during the program will be covered.

How to apply?

Fill out the application form, including two short texts on your interest and
motivation to join the fellowship, by Tuesday, 2 May 2023 at 9 am CEST. The eligibility criteria for the
application can be found below.