Are you a student fighting plastic pollution in your school or community? The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant, run by the US nonprofit Algalita Marine Research and Education, gives US$500 to young people aged 11–25 to fund their plastic-reduction projects, or to put towards their education. It’s open worldwide, so students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and every other African country can apply.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle opened on 15 October 2026 and close on 15 January 2027 at 5:00pm Pacific Time.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Algalita Marine Research and Education (Wayfinder Society) |
| Grant | US$500 each, with 10 grants (US$5,000 in total) |
| Who can apply | Students aged 11–25, anywhere in the world |
| Focus | Ending plastic pollution |
| Deadline | 15 January 2027, 5:00pm PT (2am WAT, 3am CAT, 4am EAT on 16 January) |
| Winners announced | Late February 2027 |
What Is the Wayfinder Society?
The Wayfinder Society is Algalita’s free online programme for young people tackling plastic pollution. Members complete “Actions” such as watching films, mapping systems and running cleanups. They earn hours and badges and connect with other young changemakers around the world. The Student Mini-Grant helps members turn what they’ve learned into real projects.
Benefits
- US$500 to run your project or support your studies
- Recognition as one of only 10 grantees worldwide
- A one-on-one video interview for finalists, a chance to present your work
- Membership of a global youth network working to end plastic pollution
- A strong addition to your CV and to scholarship or university applications
What Can the Money Be Used For?
Algalita gives these examples:
- Reuse systems on campus, such as reusable dishware or water refill stations
- Fix-It Clinics or repair cafés
- Cleanup campaigns that also collect data and tell a story
- Educational workshops or peer-to-peer awareness campaigns
- Policy advocacy, such as campaigning for plastic bans or refill policies
- Creative arts or communication projects
- School gardens or composting projects that cut plastic waste
- Scholarships for your study of plastics or the circular economy
- Attending a conference on reducing plastic
Eligibility
- You must be 11–25 years old on 15 January 2027.
- You can live anywhere in the world.
- You need a Wayfinder Society account, either an individual account or a student account set up through your teacher.
- You must have an adult advisor, such as a teacher, mentor or youth programme leader, who can support your project through the school year. Family members can’t be your advisor.
- You must complete two required Actions before the deadline:
- The Story of Plastic: Watch the Film
- The Story of Plastic: System Mapping
- Only one application per person is allowed.
- Hours must be earned on your individual account, not a team account. Your total hours may count during selection.
What the Application Asks For
- Your background and why plastic pollution matters to you
- What you’ve learned through the Wayfinder Society
- What you’ve done so far, and your next steps
- The amount you’re requesting and a clear plan for spending it
- Your advisor’s name, title and contact details
Applications are reviewed in English only, but Algalita offers translation help if you ask. Everything you submit becomes public, so don’t include private personal details.
How to Apply
- Create a Wayfinder Society account on Algalita’s website, or ask your teacher to set up a student account.
- Complete the two required Actions: watch The Story of Plastic and do the system mapping activity.
- Find an adult advisor outside your family and confirm they’ll support you.
- Plan your project: what you’ll do, who it’ll reach and how you’ll spend the $500.
- Submit the application form before 5:00pm PT on 15 January 2027.
Official Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant page
Student Mini-Grant application form
After You Win
Grantees must show how they spent the money within one year of receiving it and submit an expense report. Keep every receipt and take photos of your project as you go. Algalita’s page gives conflicting dates for the expense report, so follow the date in your award notice.
Tips for a Winning Application
- Start the Actions now. You can’t apply without the two required Actions, and extra hours may help.
- Make it local and specific. For example, “Set up 3 water refill points at my secondary school in Ibadan to cut sachet water waste” is stronger than “reduce plastic”.
- Show a budget. Break down the $500, for example materials, printing, transport and refreshments for a workshop.
- Show what you’ve already done. Even a small cleanup with photos and data proves you’ll deliver.
- Get your advisor involved early. Finalists are interviewed together with their advisor.
- Mind the time zone. The deadline is in the middle of the night in Africa on 16 January, so submit a day or two early.
