Applications Invited for Wayfinder Society Student Mini Grants

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About the Organization

Algalita is an internationally known environmental nonprofit that started the movement to end plastic pollution nearly 30 years ago. We were the first to discover, and bring attention to, the swirling soup of plastic pollution in the Pacific – now known by many as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Since then, we’ve worked to revolutionize the plastic pollution conversation by building a web of connections between researchers, activists, industry leaders, educators, and young people across the globe.

We envision a world where plastic pollution is unthinkable. Our action plan: design and deliver educational experiences that empower individuals to understand the full-scope of plastic pollution’s impact on people and the planet, while also providing tangible ways to support solutions.

We’re Algalita, the non-profit behind Wayfinder Society. We have over 25 years of experience investigating and teaching about the plastic problem. We’re helping educators lead, inspire, and empower students in and outside of the classroom.

We’ve designed Wayfinder Society to provide environmental educators with whole classroom support.

About the Grant

Do you have an idea to tackle plastic pollution in your school or community? We want to help you make it happen!

Plastic pollution isn’t just about litter, it’s a production problem. Our Student Mini-Grants fund projects that help students understand the root causes of plastic pollution and take action in their own communities. Whether through reusables on campus, education campaigns, policy advocacy, or creative reuse initiatives, these projects should build local capacity for long-term change.

Mini-Grants are open to students ages 11–25 worldwide who are leading or developing projects that address the root cause of plastic pollution. Projects can take place in your school, neighborhood, or broader community. Each Student Mini-Grant provides $500 to support their unique, solutions focused projects. Each applicant must also identify an adult advisor who can provide guidance and support along the way.

For the 2025-2026 school year, we’ll be awarding 10 individual grants total!

Eligible Project Examples:

Any new or existing effort focused on addressing the plastic problem including, but not limited to education campaigns, cleanup initiatives, incorporating reusables in school cafeteria, community-based research or hosting a fixit clinic on campus. Here are some examples:

• Campus reuse systems (dish ware programs, water refill stations)
• Fix-It Clinics or repair cafés to keep items in use
• Cleanup campaigns tied to data collection and storytelling
• Education workshops or peer-to-peer campaigns
• Policy advocacy projects (plastic bans, refill policies)
• Creative arts/communication projects that reframe the issue
• A school garden project that reduces cafeteria plastic waste
• Composting program that teaches about food packaging reduction
• Scholarships for students working on plastics-related or circular-economy projects
• Conference attendance that equips students to advocate for plastic reduction solutions

… these are just a few ideas, the options are endless!

Selected grantees will receive ongoing support for their project from Algalita staff throughout the school year. You’ll participate in periodic check-ins with fellow student awardees where we’ll celebrate your wins, problem solve challenges and help you move your project toward success.

How to Apply

• Create a Wayfinder Society individual account or student account with your class if you haven’t already.
• Complete at least these 2 Actions before the application deadline: The Story of Plastic – Watch the Film and The Story of Plastic – System Mapping.
• Complete the application by January 15th, 2026.

Winners announced February 2nd, 2026. Potential recipients may be contacted for a one-on-one phone or video call interview with judges.

Before final selection, each potential grantee, along with their advisor, will need to schedule a video call with Algalita staff.

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Environment and Sustainability Innovations and Technology Recycling and Waste Management Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocacy Others