The Leading Change Fellowship 2026–2027 is now accepting applications from young people across Canada who want to strengthen their leadership abilities, develop practical skills for creating environmental and social change, and connect with a diverse national community of emerging changemakers.

Designed for people aged 19 to 35, the virtual fellowship is particularly suited to individuals who are early in their professional careers, considering a purposeful career transition, or looking to expand their ability to contribute to sustainability, environmental resilience, financial wellbeing, and social impact.

The fellowship combines expert-led workshops, peer learning, practical exercises, systems thinking, and collaborative project work to help participants move beyond theoretical learning and develop the confidence and capabilities needed to lead meaningful change.

Applications for the 2026–27 Leading Change Fellowship are open from August 18 to September 7, 2026.

What Is the Leading Change Fellowship?

The Leading Change Fellowship is a virtual leadership development programme designed to help emerging leaders build the skills, knowledge, confidence, and relationships needed to create positive environmental and social change.

Rather than focusing solely on academic knowledge or conventional professional development, the fellowship takes a practical and participatory approach.

Participants learn from experts, exchange perspectives with peers, work through practical exercises, and collaborate on an impact project. This allows Fellows to take concepts discussed during the programme and explore how they can be applied to real-world challenges.

The programme is built around the idea that effective leadership requires more than technical expertise. Emerging leaders also need the ability to:

• Understand complex systems.
• Work with people who have different perspectives and experiences.
• Navigate uncertainty.
• Develop practical solutions.
• Communicate effectively.
• Collaborate across sectors.
• Build confidence to influence positive outcomes.
• Connect environmental, economic and social issues.
• Turn ideas into meaningful action.

The fellowship therefore provides participants with an opportunity to develop both their leadership capabilities and their understanding of interconnected sustainability challenges.

Why Apply for the Leading Change Fellowship?

The Leading Change Fellowship can be particularly valuable for people who want to develop their leadership abilities while exploring the connections between sustainability, finance, business, environmental resilience and social impact.

The programme offers several important areas of development.

1. Develop Practical Leadership Skills

One of the central goals of the fellowship is to help participants become more confident and capable leaders.

The programme focuses on practical leadership rather than simply adding another credential to a résumé.

Through workshops, discussions, exercises and collaborative work, Fellows can develop skills that can be applied to professional, community and social-impact settings.

According to the programme information, past Fellows reported a 39% increase in their knowledge and skills to design and lead sustainability initiatives.

This suggests that the programme is designed to help participants move from understanding sustainability challenges to thinking more practically about how to lead initiatives that address them.

2. Join a National Community of Emerging Leaders

Leadership development does not happen only through formal training. It can also happen through conversations, relationships and exposure to different ways of thinking.

The Leading Change Fellowship brings together participants from different:

• Regions.
• Sectors.
• Professional backgrounds.
• Educational backgrounds.
• Lived experiences.
• Career stages.

This creates an opportunity for Fellows to learn from people whose experiences may differ from their own.

Participants are encouraged to engage in discussions, contribute their perspectives and learn collaboratively throughout the programme.

For individuals who are beginning their careers or considering a transition into sustainability or social-impact work, this peer community can provide an environment for exchanging ideas and perspectives.

A previous Fellow, Michael Pepe, described the fellowship as an opportunity to move beyond his typical circles and engage with peers from diverse backgrounds who shared a common goal.

3. Turn Learning Into Practical Action

The fellowship is not designed to be a purely lecture-based programme.

Participants are expected to engage with practical exercises and collaborate with other Fellows on a final impact project.

This approach gives participants an opportunity to take ideas discussed during the workshops and consider how those ideas can be applied to real-world challenges.

The collaborative project also creates opportunities to develop practical skills related to:

• Teamwork.
• Problem-solving.
• Project development.
• Communication.
• Collaboration.
• Leadership.
• Applying systems thinking.
• Developing responses to complex challenges.

Past Fellows reported a 36% increase in confidence to influence positive outcomes.

The programme also reports a 38% increase in participants’ feelings of hope about the future.

4. Learn to Think About Sustainability as an Interconnected System

A major feature of the Leading Change Fellowship is its emphasis on systems thinking.

Environmental, financial and business challenges do not exist independently. Decisions in one area can influence outcomes in another.

The fellowship therefore examines the relationships between:

1. Environmental prosperity and resilience.
2. Financial wellbeing.
3. Cooperation in business.

Participants are encouraged to consider how these areas interact and what those connections mean for creating sustainable and lasting change.

According to the programme information, past Fellows reported a 57% increase in their understanding of how these three areas interconnect.

This systems-based approach can be particularly useful for emerging leaders who want to work on complex social, environmental or sustainability challenges.

What Will Fellows Learn?

The Leading Change Fellowship is organized around three interconnected learning areas.

Environmental Prosperity and Resilience

The environmental component explores issues related to creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

Participants will explore topics including:

• Climate solutions.
• Climate adaptation.
• Environmental resilience.
• Wellbeing.
• Nature.
• Sustainability.
• Pathways toward a just and sustainable future.

The focus is not simply on identifying environmental problems but on exploring possible pathways toward resilience and positive change.

Financial Wellbeing

The second learning area focuses on financial wellbeing and the relationship between finance and sustainability.

Participants will develop an understanding of:

• Financial resilience.
• Money and financial wellbeing.
• Finance.
• Climate.
• Sustainability.
• Connections between financial systems and broader social and environmental outcomes.

This area recognizes that sustainable change cannot be considered separately from economic and financial realities.

Cooperation in Business

The third learning area explores alternative approaches to business and economic cooperation.

Participants will examine approaches grounded in:

• Democracy.
• Equity.
• Shared prosperity.
• Cooperation.
• Purpose-driven business.

This component allows Fellows to explore how organizations and businesses can approach economic activity in ways that consider broader social and community outcomes.

How Does the Leading Change Fellowship Work?

The programme runs as a virtual, cohort-based learning experience from fall 2026 through February 2027.

Fellows participate in interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, peer discussions and practical exercises.

The programme is highly participatory, meaning participants are expected to actively contribute rather than simply attend sessions.

Fellows are encouraged to:

• Bring their own ideas and experiences into discussions.
• Engage respectfully with different perspectives.
• Participate in activities.
• Learn from other participants.
• Work collaboratively.
• Apply what they learn to real-world challenges.

In addition to the scheduled learning sessions, Fellows will collaborate with their peers on an impact project.

How Much Time Does the Fellowship Require?

Participants should understand that the fellowship involves a commitment beyond simply attending online workshops.

Sessions take place every two weeks on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

Each scheduled session may last up to two hours.

In addition, Fellows are expected to participate in a collaborative impact project.

Most participants can expect to spend approximately 15–20 additional hours on project work throughout the fellowship.

The exact amount of project work may vary depending on the goals and scope of the project developed by each team.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they can commit the necessary time before submitting their application.

Who Should Apply?

The Leading Change Fellowship may be particularly suitable for people who identify with one or more of the following situations:

Early-Career Professionals

The fellowship is designed in part for people who are still early in their professional journey and want to develop leadership skills that can help them progress in their careers.

You do not need to already hold a senior position or have extensive leadership experience.

People Considering a Career Transition

The fellowship can also be relevant for professionals who are considering a purposeful transition into:

• Sustainability.
• Environmental work.
• Social impact.
• Climate-related work.
• Purpose-driven business.
• Community-oriented initiatives.

Importantly, applicants do not need to already have “sustainability” in their job title.

Emerging Sustainability Leaders

Individuals who are already interested in sustainability but want to strengthen their ability to design, lead or influence initiatives may also benefit from the programme.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of how environmental, financial and business systems interact.

People Interested in Social and Environmental Change

The programme may also appeal to people who are motivated by creating positive change but are still exploring how they can contribute.

Applicants are not expected to have perfect résumés or extensive professional achievements.

The programme emphasizes people, potential, curiosity, learning and the willingness to engage with others.

Leading Change Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

The programme information identifies the following core eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be 19 to 35 years old.
• Applicants must reside in Canada.
• Applicants should care about creating positive environmental or social change.
• Applicants may be early in their careers, navigating a career transition, or looking to strengthen their leadership capacity.
• Applicants should be interested in understanding how sustainability connects across different sectors and systems.
• Applicants should want to translate learning into practical action.
• Applicants should be willing to learn alongside people with different perspectives and experiences.

The fellowship welcomes applicants across career stages, industries, educational backgrounds and lived experiences.

There is no requirement in the supplied programme information for applicants to already be sustainability professionals or experts.

You Do Not Need to Be a Sustainability Expert

One of the important aspects of the Leading Change Fellowship is that applicants do not need to have an established career in sustainability.

You do not necessarily need:

• A sustainability job title.
• Extensive sustainability experience.
• An advanced academic qualification in environmental studies.
• A long list of leadership positions.
• A perfect résumé.

Instead, the programme is designed for people who are interested in learning, developing their leadership capacity and contributing to positive environmental or social change.

This makes the fellowship potentially relevant to professionals from a wide range of fields who want to explore how their existing skills can contribute to sustainability and social impact.

What Does the Application Require?

Applicants should prepare several components before beginning the application.

The application includes:

1. Short Written Questions

Applicants will be asked to respond to short questions designed to provide insight into their background, interests, motivations and perspectives.

This means applicants should be prepared to explain why they are interested in the fellowship and how the experience connects to their goals.

2. One-Minute Video Introduction

The application also requires a one-minute video introduction.

Applicants should use this opportunity to communicate clearly and authentically rather than attempting to produce an overly complicated video.

A concise introduction can help communicate your personality, motivation and interest in creating positive change.

3. Résumé

Applicants must also submit their résumé.

Because the programme emphasizes potential and authentic experiences rather than “perfect résumés,” applicants should focus on presenting their experiences clearly and showing the skills, interests and activities that demonstrate their commitment to learning and positive change.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Although the programme emphasizes authenticity rather than perfect résumés, applicants can still take several practical steps to strengthen their application.

Clearly Explain Why You Want to Join

Think about what specifically attracts you to the fellowship.

For example, you might be interested in:

• Developing leadership skills.
• Transitioning into sustainability.
• Exploring climate and environmental resilience.
• Understanding financial wellbeing.
• Learning about purpose-driven business.
• Connecting with other emerging leaders.
• Developing a social or environmental project.

A strong application should communicate a genuine reason for wanting to participate.

Connect the Fellowship to Your Future Goals

Applicants should consider how the knowledge and relationships gained through the programme could contribute to their longer-term goals.

Your goals do not need to be fully defined.

You may be at the stage of exploring different career directions, and the fellowship can be part of that exploration.

Highlight Relevant Experiences

Your experience does not need to come exclusively from employment.

Relevant experiences may include:

• University projects.
• Volunteer activities.
• Community initiatives.
• Professional projects.
• Student leadership.
• Sustainability activities.
• Social-impact initiatives.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Advocacy.
• Research.
• Community engagement.

The important consideration is how these experiences demonstrate your curiosity, leadership potential or interest in positive change.

Be Authentic in the Video

The one-minute video is an opportunity to introduce yourself as a person.

Rather than attempting to sound overly formal, focus on communicating:

• Who you are.
• What you care about.
• Why the fellowship interests you.
• What you hope to learn or contribute.

Keep your response focused and within the one-minute requirement.

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What Makes the Fellowship Different?

The Leading Change Fellowship brings together several forms of development rather than focusing on one particular skill.

It combines:

Leadership development + sustainability education + systems thinking + peer learning + practical project work + community building.

This combination allows Fellows to examine complex challenges from multiple perspectives.

For example, an environmental challenge may also involve financial systems, business decisions, community wellbeing and questions of equity. The programme encourages participants to consider these connections rather than examining issues in isolation.

A Fully Virtual Fellowship

The Leading Change Fellowship is conducted virtually, making it possible for eligible participants across Canada to participate without relocating.

The virtual structure includes:

• Online workshops.
• Expert speakers.
• Peer discussions.
• Interactive learning.
• Practical exercises.
• Collaborative project work.
• Online final presentations.

However, because participation is active and sessions are scheduled at specific times, applicants should ensure they can attend the bi-weekly sessions and participate meaningfully throughout the fellowship.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Leading Change Fellowship 2026–2027 is September 7, 2026.

Applications opened on August 18, 2026.

Applicants who are interested in participating should prepare their written responses, one-minute video introduction and résumé before beginning the application.

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Conclusion

cation process or accessibility support, the programme information provides admin@leadingchangecanada.com as the contact email.

The Leading Change Fellowship 2026–2027 provides an opportunity for emerging leaders in Canada to strengthen their leadership capabilities while developing a deeper understanding of sustainability, environmental resilience, financial wellbeing and purpose-driven business.

Its emphasis on practical leadership, systems thinking, peer learning and collaborative project work makes it more than a conventional online training programme. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experts, exchange perspectives with people from different backgrounds and apply their learning to a collaborative real-world impact project.

The fellowship may be particularly valuable for young professionals who are early in their careers, exploring a transition into sustainability or social impact, or looking for a community through which to develop their leadership and ability to contribute to positive change.

With applications closing on September 7, 2026, eligible applicants should prepare their résumé, written responses and one-minute video introduction and submit their application before the deadline.

Click HERE for more fellowship opportunities.