UPG Sustainability Leadership 2026 (USA) – Fully Funded

Passionate about climate action and sustainable development? The UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026 is an exciting opportunity to transform your passion into real-world impact. Organized by United People Global (UPG), this fully funded leadership training takes students and young professionals on an immersive one-week workshop in Maine, USA. Over 3,500 young leaders from 157 countries have already gone through UPG’s flagship training, collectively reaching 86,000+ people worldwide.

In this program you’ll learn practical project management and leadership skills in sustainability, join a global community of changemakers, and gain unique work experience that can launch your career.

Internship Overview

The UPG Leadership program is more like a leadership internship or fellowship than a typical academic course. It spans a 9-week online training (covering topics like sustainability, project planning and SDGs) and culminates in a one-week in-person workshop in the USA. Selected participants travel to the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership in Maine, where they receive hands-on instruction from experts in sustainability and leadership. The goals are to equip you with tools to lead community projects and inspire positive action.

For example, attendees learn fundraising, communication and stakeholder engagement as part of the intensive curriculum. UPG (a Geneva-based NGO) runs the program, so you’ll benefit from an organized, high-profile training environment. In short, this fully funded placement in the USA provides a comprehensive sustainability leadership training experience – a unique work-and-learn opportunity for motivated young people (age 18–35) worldwide.

About the Host Organization

United People Global (UPG) is a Geneva-based non-profit community dedicated to empowering citizens to make the world more sustainable. Its mission is to “encourage and enable people to take positive action” on global challenges. One of UPG’s flagship initiatives is the Sustainability Leadership program, run in partnership with the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership. UPG has a track record of mobilizing young leaders: its training programs cover a wide range of sustainability topics (from green issues like recycling to social goals like education and health) and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In short, UPG brings real credibility to this program – it’s run by experienced changemakers and connects you to a global network of alumni and supporters.

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Benefits of the Internship

• Fully Funded Training: All program costs are covered. UPG pays for your meals, lodging, training materials and travel (except visa fees). This means you get a world-class experience without financial burden. (Visas: UPG provides support letters for visa applications.)
• Skill-Building in Sustainability: The curriculum focuses on sustainable development, project management and leadership. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge from experts and workshops, learning how to design and launch real sustainability projects back home.
• Global Network & Mentorship: Meet peers and mentors from around the world. As a UPG Sustainability Leader, you join a community of 3,504 alumni from 157 countries. Past participants praise the program’s intensive learning environment: one alum shared it offered the chance to “learn from brilliant minds” and network globally.
• Practical Leadership Experience: This isn’t a passive course – you commit to take concrete action afterwards. UPG leaders are expected to implement a community project and run mini-trainings locally. In essence, you gain resume-worthy leadership and project management experience by solving real problems.
• Travel & Cultural Exchange: Spend a week on beautiful Hurricane Island (Maine), USA, immersed in nature and teamwork. This immersive setting offers unique exposure to field studies and team-building activities in sustainability. You also get to experience a new culture and make international friends – a life-enriching adventure.
• Funding Opportunities: Outstanding alumni can even apply for the UPG Sustainability Project Support Grant. UPG offers substantial support (up to $50,000) to visionary leaders to fund their own SDG-aligned projects. This means the program could help turn your own sustainability project into reality after the training.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this opportunity, you should meet the following criteria:

• Age 18–35: Applicants must be young adults; this program targets the 18–35 age range.
• All Nationalities Welcome: You can apply from any country. UPG encourages a diverse cohort of global citizens.
• Passion for Sustainability: No specific background or degree is required – students, recent graduates and young professionals with any educational background may apply. What matters is commitment and ideas to drive positive change. UPG values passion and purpose: they look for candidates who want to make an impact in areas like environmental protection, education, or social development. (Even first-time applicants with no prior sustainability work can be successful.)
• English Fluency: You must speak, read and write English fluently, as the training and materials are in English.
• Drive & Leadership Potential: Ideal candidates are action-oriented and motivated. UPG notes that applicants should be prepared to implement projects and inspire others after the program. In practice, this means showcasing any leadership or project experience (in school, work or community) and a clear idea of how you’d use this training.

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Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official program site. Go to the UPG Sustainability Leadership webpage using below Apply Now Button.
2. Register and complete the online form. Sign up for an account on the UPG site and start the application. You will need to provide your personal details, education and any work or volunteer history.
3. Describe your project ideas and experience. In the application form, explain your sustainability interests or projects. Highlight any leadership or volunteer experiences to date.
4. Record a video answer. Prepare a 2-minute video introduction. In it, introduce yourself and address one of the application questions. The video lets reviewers see your passion and communication skills.
5. Review and submit by the deadline. Double-check that all fields are completed (contact info, essays, video upload, etc.). Then submit your application before the cutoff. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
6. Wait for notification. After the deadline, UPG will shortlist candidates and inform you of the next steps (such as interviews or further documentation).

Application Deadline

Last Date to Apply: 31 December 2025. Applications from international students are due by this date, so plan ahead.

Conclusion

The UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026 is a rare chance to gain world-class training and international exposure in environmental and social leadership. It can accelerate your career by adding a prestigious leadership placement to your resume and by connecting you to mentors and peers globally. Don’t let this opportunity pass – if you are excited about making a difference, apply today and tell your friends! Even if you have doubts, remember that UPG welcomes passion and fresh ideas. This program could be the springboard that turns your passion for sustainability into positive action.

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