Carbon Smart India Fellowship 2025 – Empowering Youth to Lead Grassroots Solar and Climate Action: (Deadline 25 May, 2025)

Introduction

The Carbon Smart India Fellowship is a pioneering initiative by The Social Purpose Trust, designed to equip young leaders with the tools, training, and real-world experience to advance solar energy adoption and carbon offsetting in India’s grassroots communities. This one-year, full-time, field-based fellowship is a transformative opportunity for purpose-driven individuals to become changemakers in the green economy.

About the Fellowship

This flagship program integrates climate education, community outreach, and afforestation, connecting technical knowledge with social impact. Fellows will operate at the intersection of sustainability, youth leadership, and renewable energy — driving progress from the ground up.

Key Objectives

• Facilitate decentralized solar adoption at the household and community levels.
• Cultivate youth climate leaders with skills in solar technology, ethical sales, and sustainability.
• Offset embedded carbon emissions through geo-tagged community-based tree plantation drives.
• Generate actionable climate impact data and personal stories for advocacy and knowledge sharing.

Fellowship Structure

Duration: 12 months
Location: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (First 3 months residential; accommodation provided)
Stipend & Benefits: Worth ₹1.8 Lakhs over the course of the program

The fellowship is divided into three major phases:

1. Foundation & Inner Leadership (Month 1)

Fellows begin with an intensive residential month focused on:

• Leadership Labs: Enhancing self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
• Sustainability 101: Covering climate science, carbon emissions, and solar energy solutions.
• Self-Reflection Modules: Tools for exploring personal purpose and growth.
• Community Immersion: Early exposure to field realities, people, and challenges.

2. Field Immersion & Action-Based Learning (Months 2–3)

• Conduct Solar Sabhas and Samvads (community dialogues).
• Perform door-to-door outreach to promote solar adoption.
• Apply listening and facilitation skills to mobilize interest.
• Participate in weekly reflection circles and peer coaching.

3. Ownership, Innovation & Collective Impact (Months 4–12)

• Lead localized climate campaigns within assigned field territories.
• Execute mini-projects on solar awareness and adoption.
• Receive monthly mentoring and attend thematic workshops on:
  • Behavioral change
  • Social enterprise
  • Fundraising strategies
• Develop personal impact blueprints and explore models for sustainable livelihoods.
• Receive guidance on post-fellowship pathways in climate careers and green jobs.

Core Initiatives

Solar Adoption Campaign

Fellows work directly with local communities to build awareness and trust around solar energy solutions. Activities include public meetings, educational sessions, and household outreach to ensure informed, long-term adoption.

OffseTree Program

Every solar installation is assessed for its carbon footprint. Fellows then coordinate the planting of native trees, each geo-tagged, vlogged, and monitored to ensure survival and traceable carbon offsets.

Social & Climate Impact

Social Impact:

• • Youth skill development and green job creation.
  • Reduced energy costs for low-income households.
  • Strengthened collaboration between communities, governments, and solar enterprises.

Climate Impact:

• Verified carbon offsets through afforestation efforts.
• Increased grassroots usage of clean solar energy.
• Collection of data and climate narratives to support evidence-based policy.

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to individuals aged 18–30 who are passionate about:

• Climate action
• Sustainable development
• Community-based work

Prior experience in renewable energy, fieldwork, or sales is welcome but not mandatory. What truly matters is your motivation to drive change.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 25 May 2025
For questions or support, email: [email protected]

Click HERE to Apply Now and take the first step toward becoming a climate leader in your community.

About The Social Purpose Trust

The Social Purpose Trust is a mission-driven non-profit organization that works at the intersection of community development, youth empowerment, and sustainability. Through programs like the Carbon Smart India Fellowship, the Trust is committed to catalyzing systemic change by investing in people, purpose, and the planet.

Click HERE to Learn more