Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
Power Up 2026 is a teacher development program in Ukraine designed to strengthen mentoring skills and support youth-led school initiatives.
Young high school teachers working with students under 14 can access free training, attend an offline seminar in Kyiv (24–26 April 2026), and compete for one of 15 micro-grants worth €200 each to implement student-led projects by June 2026.
Applications are open until March 15.
Power Up is a professional development and mentorship program aimed at empowering Ukrainian teachers to guide student-led initiatives.
The program supports:
-
Youth participation in public life
-
Project-based learning
-
Informal education methods
-
Teacher mentoring capacity
-
Student responsibility and leadership
The certificate is issued by Studentship Helping Life (SHL Ukraine) and qualifies as advanced training.
Program Objectives
Power Up is designed to:
-
Encourage children’s active participation in public life
-
Promote project-based and experiential learning
-
Develop teachers’ mentoring and facilitation skills
-
Strengthen youth leadership through practical initiatives
-
Empower students to take ownership of community projects
The program emphasizes a hands-on approach where students lead and teachers guide.
Program Format and Schedule
Power Up combines online learning, offline training, and practical project implementation.
Online Training Sessions
Scheduled Dates:
-
31 March 2026
-
02 April 2026
-
06 April 2026
-
08 April 2026
-
22 June 2026
These sessions focus on:
-
Mentorship skills
-
Youth engagement strategies
-
Project-based learning methods
-
Community initiative planning
Offline Seminar in Kyiv
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Dates: 24–26 April 2026
Selected participants will attend:
-
In-person workshops
-
Collaborative learning sessions
-
Practical mentoring exercises
-
Networking with other teachers
Travel expenses are reimbursed, and accommodation and meals are fully covered.
Participation is free of charge.
Micro-Grant Funding
As part of the initiative:
-
15 micro-grants will be awarded
-
Each grant is valued at €200
-
Funding supports student-led projects
-
Activities must be implemented by the end of June 2026
These micro-grants are specifically for direct implementation of youth initiatives within schools or local communities.
How the Student-Led Projects Work
After training:
Step 1: Teachers guide students in identifying a local issue or idea.
Step 2: Students design and plan their own initiative.
Step 3: Teachers provide structured mentoring support.
Step 4: Students implement the initiative using micro-grant funds (if awarded).
Step 5: Projects are completed before June 2026.
The model ensures:
-
Students lead decision-making
-
Teachers act as facilitators
-
Children understand their voices and ideas matter
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
-
Be Ukrainian high school teachers
-
Work with students under 14 years old
-
Preferably be under 35 years old (exceptions possible)
-
Be motivated to inspire children
-
Be open to innovative learning formats
The program targets young educators committed to mentoring youth leadership.
What Participants Receive
Participants benefit from:
-
Free professional training (online and offline)
-
Travel reimbursement
-
Fully covered accommodation and meals during seminar
-
Mentorship development skills
-
Opportunity to access €200 micro-grant funding
-
Official certificate indicating topics and hours
-
Recognition of advanced training by SHL Ukraine
Why This Program Matters
Power Up supports democratic participation and civic education from an early age.
It helps:
-
Build youth confidence
-
Strengthen school-community connections
-
Develop practical leadership skills
-
Enhance teachers’ mentoring capacity
-
Promote active citizenship
By empowering teachers, the program indirectly empowers students.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you meet age and teaching requirements.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Detailed schedule and information are available within the form.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026.
Step 4: Await Selection Results
Selected teachers will receive an official invitation to participate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
-
Submitting incomplete applications
-
Failing to demonstrate motivation to mentor students
-
Not explaining experience working with children under 14
-
Ignoring the program schedule and availability requirements
-
Treating the initiative as teacher-led rather than student-led
Strong applications clearly demonstrate commitment to youth empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is participation free?
Yes. The program is free of charge.
2. Are travel and accommodation covered?
Yes. Travel expenses are reimbursed, and accommodation and meals are fully provided during the offline seminar.
3. How much funding is available for student projects?
Fifteen micro-grants of €200 each will be awarded.
4. When must student projects be completed?
All activities must be implemented by the end of June 2026.
5. Who issues the certificate?
The certificate is issued by Studentship Helping Life (SHL Ukraine).
6. Is there an age limit for teachers?
Applicants are preferably under 35 years old, but exceptions are possible.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2026.
Conclusion
Power Up 2026 provides young Ukrainian teachers with structured training, mentoring skills, and micro-grant funding to support youth-led initiatives.
By combining online learning, in-person workshops in Kyiv, and hands-on project implementation, the program fosters active citizenship and leadership among students under 14.
For motivated educators seeking to empower the next generation, Power Up offers a practical, fully funded opportunity to create meaningful impact in schools and communities.
For more information, visit Public Space.
