Decarbonization Leaders Program 2026 at McGill University
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
If you're a committed student leader passionate about sustainability, the Decarbonization Leaders Program 2026 at McGill University offers a unique opportunity to elevate your skills, expand your network, and drive real impact on campus and beyond. Applications are now open—and the deadline is September 1, 2025.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: McGill University — Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Host Institution: Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI), Desautels Faculty of Management, in partnership with Power Sustainable
Level: Academic-year leadership and professional development program (targeted to undergraduate & graduate students)
Target Group:
Up to 2 students per existing McGill sustainability/decarbonization student organization (one executive leader + one nominee).
Individual students who wish to join or create such a group are also welcome to apply .
Fields of Focus: Decarbonization, sustainability leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development .
Value & Coverage: Non-monetary; includes workshops, coaching, mentorship, professional networking, and culminating pitch event .
Duration: Academic year (September–March 2026) .
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 .
Start Date: September 2025. The program runs through March 2026 .
Eligible To:
Executive leaders and nominees from existing sustainability/decarbonization student groups.
Individual students aiming to join or establish new groups.
At least one student per group must be returning in Fall 2026 to support succession planning .
💡 Program Overview
The Decarbonization Leaders Program 2026 is a leadership development initiative delivered by SGI in collaboration with Power Sustainable. The program runs through the academic year and equips participants with skills in strategic planning, leadership, and sustainability impact. Participants receive hands-on support—such as workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking with peers and experts, and the chance to develop and refine their strategic plans. The program culminates in a high-profile pitch event in March 2026, where they present their strategic initiatives to potential partners and donors .
🧩 Program Structure
August 2025: Application window opens for student leaders and nominees.
September 2025: Program begins with orientation and initial planning.
October–November 2025: Skill-building workshops enhance leadership, communication, and strategic-planning abilities.
December 2025: Participants deliver internal presentations of their strategic plans and receive feedback.
January–February 2026: One-on-one mentorship and coaching sessions support further plan refinement.
March 2026: The semester concludes with an annual external event where teams pitch to partners and donors .
🎁 Program Benefits
Comprehensive Development: Gain leadership, communication, strategic planning, and organizational skills.
Professional Engagement: One-on-one coaching and mentorship, plus networking with sustainability experts.
Peer Collaboration: Build and refine organizational strategies alongside fellow student leaders.
Visibility and Impact: The March pitch event offers exposure and the opportunity to attract support from external partners and donors .
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Students must be affiliated with sustainability or decarbonization student organizations at McGill—or be individuals eager to join or start such groups.
Organizations may nominate up to two participants (executive leader + nominee).
Succession planning is ensured by requiring at least one nominee to be returning in Fall 2026 .
📝 Application Procedure
How to Apply: Complete and submit the application form available via SGI’s website.
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 .
Contact for Queries: sgi [at] mcgill.ca .
⭐ Final Thoughts
The Decarbonization Leaders Program 2026 is a compelling chance for McGill students to sharpen leadership and strategic skills within the vital space of sustainability. Beyond training and mentorship, it offers the platform and support to turn ideas into concrete organizational plans and advocate effectively for decarbonization and positive change.
