If you're looking for opportunities to advance your career, or education, our weekly picks highlight fellowships and funding programmes designed to help you grow. This time, we feature fellowships in communication, climate, trade, and food systems, along with a programme supporting high school graduates in securing spots at globally recognized colleges. ALSO READ: Six fellowships, scholarships for Rwandan and African students Explore these six opportunities and find the right fit: 1. National Geographic Society’s World Freshwater Initiative: Storytelling grants The National Geographic Society’s World Freshwater Initiative is working to highlight the state of global freshwater resources by examining water shortages, human impact on ecosystems, and the effects of climate change. As part of this effort, the initiative is offering grants to accomplished storytellers from around the world, supporting projects that bring attention to the challenges and solutions surrounding freshwater access. Proposals in various storytelling formats, including photography, film, video, mapmaking, data visualization, and written or spoken word, will be considered. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that explore how marginalized communities, including last-mile and low-income households, women and girls, and children, struggle to secure access to fresh water, especially as water scarcity worsens. It also encourages work that highlights solutions and amplifies the voices of those at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Grants range from $20,000 to $100,000 per project. The deadline for application is April 22 at 5 a.m. 2. Catalyst Fund Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program for African Startups Startups developing tech-driven solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in Africa can now apply for funding and support through the Catalyst Fund, a global accelerator programme dedicated to helping early-stage businesses scale and create lasting impact. This opportunity provides financial backing, strategic mentorship, and access to a network of investors and industry experts. The programme offers $150,000 in cash investment, $50,000 in venture-building support, and 400 hours of dedicated business assistance. Selected startups will also receive an impact report from 60 decibels, access to a network of more than 250 global investors, and media support to enhance visibility. Additional perks and benefits valued at up to $175,000 are available. Eligible startups should focus on fintech solutions for climate resilience, such as insurance, carbon finance, or climate data services; sustainable livelihoods, including agriculture, food systems, fisheries, and land restoration; or climate-smart essential services, such as water management, cold storage, clean energy, waste management, or health services. Applications are open until April 30. 3. ALX Pathway: Scholarships for global university admissions ALX Pathway offers high school graduates a chance to access up to $85,000 per year in full scholarships and sponsored placements at leading universities in the US, Africa, and beyond. The programme, designed as an eight-month intensive preparation course, equips students with the leadership, entrepreneurial, and professional development skills needed to secure scholarships and gain admission to its partner institutions. It is open to students who completed secondary school or its equivalent, hold a final national examination certificate, and demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. Applicants must be of African origin and reside in one of ALX’s city hubs, which include Rwanda, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The deadline for application is April 24. 4. RISE Challenge: Scaling climate resilience in urban settings The Resilience Innovation through Scaling Entrepreneurship (RISE) Urban Challenge is designed to transform innovative urban resilience ideas into sustainable, scalable solutions. The initiative supports projects that address resilience challenges in informal urban settings, connecting them with funders and highlighting the urgent need for urban systems transformation. Applications are open to urban entrepreneurs, innovators, and organizations, including startups, SMEs, civil society groups, and grassroots initiatives based in low- and middle-income countries. The challenge seeks solutions that tackle issues such as climate risk, water security, resilience retrofitting, urban migration, and displacement. For this round, RISE particularly encourages applications focused on strengthening resilience for women and youth. Winners will receive up to $50,000 in funding to scale their solutions, as well as mentoring, leadership development, investor connections, and incubation support to refine and expand their initiatives. Applications close on April 11. 5. Food Systems Leadership Programme for Rwanda and Kenya The African Food Fellowship is offering Africa’s first proven Food Systems Leadership Programme (FSLP), designed to drive meaningful action toward more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable food systems. The programme serves as a platform for fellows to reflect on their roles within the food system and collaborate on transformative solutions. This year, the fellowship is seeking 80 food systems leaders—40 each from Kenya and Rwanda to join the programme. The opportunity is open to mid-career professionals aged 27 to 50 whose work aligns with key impact areas. In Rwanda, applicants should be engaged in healthy and nutritious food, climate-smart agriculture, or inclusive markets and trade. In Kenya, the focus areas include horticulture for inclusive markets, the blue economy for food, and agri-finance. Applications close on April 25. 6. United Nations WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme The World Trade Organization is accepting applications for the 2025 Young Trade Leaders Programme, an initiative designed to deepen young people’s understanding of the WTO’s work and the role of international trade. The programme aims to build a global network of young leaders who bring fresh perspectives on trade’s impact on people and the planet. Candidates selected as Young Trade Leaders will have the opportunity to engage with the WTO’s work and contribute to discussions on global trade. The programme includes publishing opportunities across various media, participation in an in-person training at WTO headquarters in Geneva, and involvement in the WTO’s Public Forum 2025. Leaders will also receive mentoring and support for organizing WTO-related activities in their home countries. The programme is open to applicants between the ages of 18 and 28 with a strong interest in international trade. The deadline for application is May 2. Maximize these opportunities by either applying yourself or sharing them with potential candidates. 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