Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists (YLACES) is a grant program supporting educators and organizations to empower young people to conduct meaningful, youth-led environmental research. The program removes barriers such as lack of equipment, mentoring, and resources while promoting open data sharing, scientific thinking, and real-world environmental inquiry. Funding is available for U.S. and international applicants, with options for multi-year support and collaborative projects.
Overview
Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists (YLACES) is a grant initiative designed to help educators and organizations move students beyond passive observation into active environmental research. The program emphasizes youth-led scientific inquiry, real-world data collection, and public sharing of environmental research outcomes. Its core goal is to equip the next generation with scientific thinking skills while addressing practical barriers that limit hands-on learning.
Program Objectives and Key Focus Areas
The YLACES program strengthens environmental education by prioritizing applied research and student engagement. Key focus areas include:
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Supporting youth-led environmental research and data collection
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Removing barriers such as lack of equipment, transportation, mentoring, or instructional support
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Requiring students to produce and share research through publicly accessible, non-proprietary data platforms
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Encouraging local student research symposia using a one-day regional model
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Promoting multi-year funding and partnerships to expand long-term impact
Types of Grants Available
YLACES offers multiple funding pathways tailored to different educational and organizational needs.
Grants for U.S.-Based Educators Supporting Student Research
Educators in the United States may apply for grants of up to $1,500. These funds are intended to purchase scientific instruments and supplies that directly support youth environmental research and data collection. Funded projects must include:
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Active student research activities
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Public sharing of collected data through open platforms
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Ongoing educator coaching throughout the research process
Grants for Local Student Research Symposia (United States)
U.S.-based environmental educators and organizations may apply for grants of up to $5,000 to host local student research symposia. These one-day events are modeled on the GLOBE Regional Student Research Symposium framework and focus on:
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Peer review of student research
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Interaction with STEM professionals
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Presentation and discussion of environmental data
A limited number of symposium grants will be awarded in 2026.
Grants for International Educators and Organizations
International environmental educators and organizations may apply for funding to support instruments and supplies for youth environmental research. Eligibility requires official endorsement from the GLOBE Program in the applicant’s country.
Multi-Year Funding and Partnerships
YLACES encourages proposals that request multi-year funding of up to three years. Collaborative projects involving partner organizations are strongly supported. Applicants seeking extended funding must:
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Clearly explain how continued support will sustain and scale project impact
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Describe the role of partnerships in long-term success
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Submit annual reports for each funded year
Project Duration and Timeline
Supported projects typically run for 8 to 12 months, depending on scope and funding structure. Multi-year projects are reviewed annually to assess progress and impact.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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U.S.-based environmental educators
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U.S.-based non-profit or educational organizations
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International environmental educators and organizations with GLOBE Program endorsement
Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan for youth-led environmental research and open data sharing.
Why the YLACES Program Matters
YLACES addresses a critical gap in environmental education by enabling students to participate in authentic scientific research. By removing structural barriers and emphasizing public data sharing, the program strengthens scientific literacy, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership in sustainability.
How to Apply and What to Do
Applicants should follow these steps:
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Identify the appropriate grant category (student research, symposium, or international support).
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Define a clear youth-led environmental research objective.
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Outline required instruments, supplies, or event costs.
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Demonstrate plans for data sharing through public platforms.
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If seeking multi-year funding, explain sustainability and partnership strategies.
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Submit the application according to YLACES guidelines and timelines.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Avoid proposals focused only on observation without active research components.
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Do not rely on proprietary or closed data platforms.
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Clearly explain how educators will mentor students throughout the research process.
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For multi-year requests, provide concrete sustainability and reporting plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the YLACES grant program?
The program aims to empower young people to conduct meaningful environmental research by removing barriers and supporting youth-led scientific inquiry.
How much funding is available for U.S.-based educators?
U.S.-based educators may apply for up to $1,500 to support student environmental research and data collection.
Who can apply for symposium grants?
U.S.-based educators and organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to host one-day local student research symposia.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes. International educators and organizations may apply if they have endorsement from the GLOBE Program in their country.
Is multi-year funding available?
Yes. Applicants may request funding for up to three years, with annual reporting required.
What data-sharing requirements apply?
All funded projects must ensure that student research data is shared through publicly accessible, non-proprietary platforms.
When will funded projects take place?
Project durations typically range from 8 to 12 months, with multi-year projects reviewed annually.
Conclusion
The Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists (YLACES) program plays a vital role in advancing youth-led environmental research and scientific literacy. By providing targeted funding, mentorship support, and opportunities for collaboration, YLACES enables educators and organizations to nurture the next generation of environmental scientists and sustainability leaders through real-world, data-driven learning experiences.
For more information, visit YLACES.
