Latin American Youth Climate Scholarship
LAYCS has funded and trained BIPOC youth climate leaders from across Latin America since 2023. Now, the LAYCS Fellowship carries our strongest alumni further — from access to sustained, independent policy leadership.
The Latin American Youth Climate Scholarship (LAYCS) and the LAYCS Fellowship bring together young leaders from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities across Latin America to take part in international climate policy spaces and deepen their engagement.
Beyond ensuring participation in UNFCCC conferences and related spaces, LAYCS is committed to breaking barriers of access and representation to build sustained, self-determined leadership.
About UsOpening doors. Over the course of a year, scholars build the knowledge, confidence and networks needed to participate in UN climate negotiations while remaining rooted in their communities. The programme combines technical learning with care, language justice and political accompaniment because meaningful participation requires much more than attending a conference.
Explore LAYCS ScholarshipBuilding long-term leadership. The Fellowship is the next step in the LAYCS journey. With its first cohort in 2026, it responds to a simple reality: access is only the beginning. Many alumni continue engaging in climate negotiations, but without the support needed to sustain their leadership over time. The Fellowship accompanies a small group of alumni as they deepen their expertise, build professional careers in climate policy and become recognised voices within international decision-making spaces.
Explore LAYCS FellowshipJun 7, 2026
The LAYCS Fellowship's position on climate adaptation for the UNFCCC's SB64 session. Building on the Belém Indicators and the Baku Adaptation Roadmap agreed at COP30, it calls for people-centred adaptation, the integration of Indigenous and ancestral knowledge, and accessible, local adaptation finance.
Impact report
Discover how LAYCS delegates are actively shaping local policies and national delegations.
FAQ
Applications for the LAYCS Scholarship open once a year and are announced on our social media channels and through partner networks. Keep an eye on our Instagram and LinkedIn, or write to info@laycs.org to be notified when the next call opens.
The Scholarship is a one-year program that prepares scholars to participate in UN climate negotiations for the first time, with capacity building, fully funded participation and language justice support. The Fellowship, launched in 2026, is the next step: it accompanies a small group of alumni as they deepen their expertise and build long-term careers in climate policy.
LAYCS supports young Black, Indigenous and People of Colour leaders from across Latin America who are engaged in climate action in their communities. Each call for applications details the specific criteria for that cohort.
Yes. We publish our policy briefings to make negotiation spaces more accessible to the wider youth movement. You are welcome to read, download and share them — and to reach out via info@laycs.org if you have questions or feedback.
