Do you have an idea to tackle plastic pollution in your school or community? The Algalita Student Mini-Grants program is here to help you make it happen! These grants empower young changemakers to design and lead projects that address the root causes of plastic pollution, while building long-term solutions in their communities.
Why Student Mini-Grants Matter
Plastic pollution is not just about litter, it’s a production problem. By supporting student-led initiatives, Algalita encourages creative, practical, and systemic solutions.
- Grants help students understand the root causes of plastic pollution.
- Projects focus on local capacity building and long-term change.
- Students gain mentorship, peer support, and visibility for their work.
What Is a Mini-Grant?
- Open to students ages 11–25 worldwide.
- Supports unique, solutions-focused projects in schools, neighborhoods, or communities.
- Each grant provides $500 in funding.
- Applicants must identify an adult advisor for guidance.
- For the 2025–2026 school year, 10 individual grants will be awarded.
Eligible Project Examples
Projects can be new or existing efforts that tackle plastic pollution. Examples include:
- Campus reuse systems: dishware programs, water refill stations.
- Fix-It Clinics or repair cafés: keeping items in use longer.
- Cleanup campaigns: paired with data collection and storytelling.
- Education workshops: peer-to-peer campaigns raising awareness.
- Policy advocacy: plastic bans, refill policies, or school cafeteria reforms.
- Creative arts/communication projects: reframing the issue through media or art.
- School garden projects: reducing cafeteria plastic waste.
- Composting programs: teaching packaging reduction.
- Scholarships: supporting students working on plastics or circular economy projects.
- Conference attendance: equipping students to advocate for solutions.
Application Timeline
- Deadline: January 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm PT.
- Winners announced: February 2, 2026.
- Selection process:
- Potential recipients may be contacted for interviews.
- Finalists and their advisors will schedule a video call with Algalita staff.
How to Apply
- Create a Wayfinder Society account (individual or class).
- Complete at least two required Actions before the deadline:
- The Story of Plastic: Watch the Film
- The Story of Plastic: System Mapping
- Submit your application by January 15, 2026.
Support for Grantees
Selected students will receive ongoing support throughout the school year:
- Periodic check-ins with Algalita staff.
- Opportunities to share wins and problem-solve challenges.
- A supportive network of fellow student awardees.
Key Details
- Eligibility: Students ages 11–25 worldwide.
- Funding: $500 per project.
- Advisor requirement: Each applicant must identify an adult advisor.
- Selection criteria: Creativity, impact, feasibility, and alignment with addressing root causes of plastic pollution.
- Use of funds: Flexible, as long as it supports the project’s goals.
Take Action
- Join the Wayfinder Society student hub.
- Subscribe to the student community newsletter.
- Explore the Action Guide Library for inspiration.
- Connect with peers tackling plastic pollution worldwide.
The Algalita Student Mini-Grants are more than funding, they are a platform for youth leadership, creativity, and advocacy. By applying, you join a global network of changemakers determined to reduce plastic pollution and create sustainable futures.
Take the first step today: Apply, act, and inspire change in your community.
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