Submissions open for Stand Up Program (Ukraine)

The Stand Up Program 2026 is inviting applications from teenagers aged 14–17 in selected regions of Ukraine to turn their ideas into volunteer and community projects. Participants receive free training, one-on-one mentoring, and a €250 grant to implement their initiatives, along with fully covered travel, accommodation, and meals for the in-person seminar.

Stand Up Program 2026

The Stand Up Program is a youth leadership and civic engagement initiative that empowers teenagers to develop practical solutions for challenges in their communities.

Through a combination of online learning, an in-person seminar, mentorship, and financial support, participants gain the skills needed to transform creative ideas into real volunteer or community projects that create positive local impact.

The programme is ideal for young people who want to become active citizens, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

Programme Objectives

The Stand Up Program aims to:

Encourage active youth participation in community development.
Promote volunteerism and civic engagement among teenagers.
Develop project management and leadership skills.
Help young people transform ideas into practical community initiatives.
Provide mentorship throughout the project development process.
Support youth-led projects through small grants.

Why This Program Matters

Many teenagers have creative ideas for improving their communities but lack the knowledge, confidence, or financial resources to put those ideas into action.

The Stand Up Program bridges this gap by providing:

Practical civic education.
Project planning and management skills.
Individual mentoring.
Seed funding.
Opportunities to collaborate with like-minded young people.

By investing in young leaders, the programme helps strengthen local communities while encouraging long-term civic participation.

Focus Areas

Projects may focus on areas such as:

Civic engagement.
Volunteer initiatives.
Community development.
Youth leadership.
Social impact projects.
Local problem-solving.
Community participation.
Public engagement.
Grassroots initiatives.
Youth-led social innovation.

What Participants Will Receive

Selected participants will benefit from:

Free online training.
Professional mentoring.
Practical project management guidance.
Funding of €250 to implement a volunteer or community project.
Networking with other motivated teenagers.
Hands-on experience in designing and managing a community initiative.

Training Programme

Participants will complete two stages of learning.

Online Training

The programme begins with four Zoom training sessions covering:

Civic engagement.
Project management.
Community leadership.
Planning volunteer initiatives.

Offline Seminar

Participants will attend a three-day in-person seminar in Vinnytsia.

Seminar dates:
11–13 September 2026

The seminar provides opportunities to:

Develop project ideas.
Work with mentors.
Collaborate with peers.
Strengthen leadership skills.
Prepare projects for implementation.

Mentorship Support

After the training, participants receive ongoing mentor support while implementing their projects.

Mentors assist with:

Refining project ideas.
Planning activities.
Solving implementation challenges.
Monitoring project progress.
Improving project outcomes.

Grant Support

Each selected participant or team receives:

€250 to implement a volunteer or community project.

The funding helps participants turn their ideas into practical initiatives that benefit their local communities.

Additional Benefits

Participation in the programme is completely free.

Organisers provide:

Travel to the offline seminar.
Accommodation.
Meals during the seminar.
Official invitation letter for participants’ educational institutions.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

Be 14–17 years old.
Live in:
- Vinnytsia city or Vinnytsia region.
- Khmelnytskyi city or Khmelnytskyi region.
- Ternopil.
Be interested in improving their community.
Have an idea for a volunteer or community project.
Be willing to participate in all programme activities.

Applications from pairs are encouraged, although individual applications are also accepted.

How the Programme Works

The programme follows a structured process:

Submit an application.
Participate in four online Zoom training sessions.
Attend the three-day seminar in Vinnytsia.
Develop a community project with mentor support.
Receive a €250 grant.
Implement the volunteer or community initiative.
Complete the project with ongoing guidance from mentors.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

Confirm that you meet the age and location requirements.
Prepare your community or volunteer project idea.
Decide whether to apply individually or with a partner.
Complete and submit the application form before the deadline.
If selected, attend all online training sessions.
Participate in the in-person seminar in Vinnytsia.
Work with your mentor to implement your funded project.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

Present a clear and practical project idea.
Focus on a real community need.
Explain how your project will benefit others.
Demonstrate enthusiasm for volunteering and civic engagement.
Show your willingness to participate in all programme activities.
Include realistic goals and achievable outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

Submitting an unclear or incomplete application.
Proposing projects without community impact.
Applying without meeting the age or geographic eligibility requirements.
Missing training sessions or seminar commitments.
Developing ideas that cannot realistically be completed with the available grant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Teenagers aged 14–17 living in Vinnytsia, Vinnytsia region, Khmelnytskyi, Khmelnytskyi region, or Ternopil are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Selected participants receive a €250 grant to implement a volunteer or community project.

Is participation free?

Yes. Participation is completely free, and organisers cover travel, accommodation, and meals during the in-person seminar.

What training is included?

Participants complete four online Zoom sessions followed by a three-day offline seminar in Vinnytsia.

Can I apply alone?

Yes. Individual applications are accepted, although applications submitted in pairs are encouraged.

Will participants receive mentoring?

Yes. Each participant receives mentor support throughout the project development and implementation process.

What kinds of projects are encouraged?

The programme supports volunteer initiatives and community projects that promote civic engagement, solve local challenges, and create positive social impact.

Conclusion

The Stand Up Program 2026 offers teenagers an excellent opportunity to become active changemakers in their communities. By combining civic education, project management training, expert mentorship, and €250 in grant funding, the programme equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to transform innovative ideas into impactful community initiatives across selected regions of Ukraine.