A challenge has been launched for UK teenagers to help explore sustainability in food and farming, while gaining valuable additional career skills.

Sustainable You(th) Challenge: Growing a better future offers students from all backgrounds the chance to explore a passion for sustainability through hands-on learning and experiences about how sustainable food production plays a pivotal role in addressing global climate change.


The initiative is led by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and Harper Adams University, with funding and support from McDonald’s UK and Ireland. Applicants have until 28 January 2026 to apply.

If successful, participants will be invited to Harper Adams University for a Challenge Day in April, then take part in LEAF’s 20th anniversary Open Farm Sunday event this June. Having presented their reflections on the April event, the teens will then be invited to a two-day residential at Harper Adams in September, where the winners will be announced.


Top prizes

The challenge is aimed at students currently aged 15-17, with the winners offered bursaries to support further education opportunities; exclusive placements with industry partners; and flexibility around grades to support gaining a place at a top agricultural university.

Rachel Brookes, widening participation officer at Harper Adams University says showing young people the wealth of opportunities which can come from a career in food and farming is truly rewarding.

“We’re delighted, therefore, to be partnering with LEAF and McDonald’s to take this message out to even more young people across the UK – and hopefully strengthening our food and farming sectors with new and diverse talent as a result,” she comments.

Fiona Rust, education networks and partnership lead at LEAF hopes the challenge will inspire and engage participants. “While also empowering them to see themselves as the next generation of highly-skilled, tech-savvy professionals shaping the future of our industry.”

The Challenge is open to students from across the UK and is free to enter. Participants must be in years 12 or 13 in the academic 2026-2027 year or born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2010.

Skills gained


Why take part?:

  • Explore a leading university and discover future pathways, opportunities and careers linked to sustainability, environmental science and food production
  • Connect with industry leaders, gaining exclusive access to events, mentoring, and opportunities to contribute to national food and farming and climate positive campaigns
  • Bolster CVs, UCAS and job applications
  • Develop in-demand skills including teamwork, communication, research, critical thinking, adaptability and creativity
  • Meet like-minded change makers – other students eager to make a difference, solve global challenges, and shape the transition to more sustainable futures

For more information and how to apply, visit: www.leaf.eco/education/competitions/sustainable-youth-challenge.