Solar Cohort Application

Rolfes SDG Academy

Complete all required items and submit your application.

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Applications are sent directly to the programme team for manual review.

Section 1 - Basic Information

1. Full name *

2. Email address *

3. Phone / WhatsApp (with country code) *

4. Country and city of residence *

6. Pronouns (optional)

5. Age * 18-21 22-25 26-30 31-35

7. Current main role * Secondary school graduate (gap year) University student TVET / vocational student Early-career professional Mid-career professional / career-changer Community organiser / activist Other

8. Organisation/institution (if applicable)

Section 2 - Background and Motivation

9. In 2-3 sentences, tell us about your background. *

What are you studying or working on? What do you spend most of your time doing?

10. Why do you want to join the Solar Cohort? *

Maximum 200 words.

0/200 words

11. What climate, energy, or community issue are you most concerned about in your context, and why? *

Maximum 200 words.

0/200 words

12. Which topics are you most eager to learn about? (Select up to 3) * Climate science and systems thinking Renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, storage) Regenerative / green buildings Circular economy and materials Community energy projects and leadership Climate justice, gender and equity Climate finance and funding Policy, governance and advocacy

0/3 selected

Section 3 - Experience and Potential

13. Current level of experience in climate or energy work * I am a beginner - just starting to learn. I have volunteered/participated in some projects or clubs. I have led or co-led a project or initiative. I work professionally in this field.

14. Previous involvement in climate, sustainability, or community projects

You may write "none yet".

15. Do you already have a project idea/context in mind? * Yes - I already have a project or clear idea. I have some ideas but they are not clear yet. Not yet - I want to explore during the cohort.

Section 4 - Time, Access and Inclusion

17. Able to commit 5-7 hours per week for 8 weeks? * Yes Maybe (please explain)

18. Time zone (city or UTC offset) *

19. Internet access stability * Reliable (video most of the time) Moderate (sometimes video, sometimes audio only) Unstable (I may rely mostly on audio/low bandwidth)

20. Device access * Smartphone only Smartphone + occasional computer access Laptop/desktop regularly

21. Accessibility or language support (select all that apply) * Live English captions German support (notes / Q&A) Swahili support French support Low-bandwidth options (audio-only, recordings) Other No additional support needed

Section 5 - Equity and Scholarships

22. Scholarship access context * I could not afford a similar international programme if it were paid. I might be able to pay a small fee, but cost would be a barrier. I could afford a paid programme, but I still value the scholarship.

23. Underrepresented groups (optional, multiple choice) From a rural or peri-urban community From a low-income background First-generation student Person with a disability Member of an ethnic / linguistic minority LGBTQI+ None of the above / prefer not to say

Used only for diversity and inclusion support.

Section 6 - After the Cohort

24. How would you use what you learn in the next 12 months? (Select up to 3) * Start or grow a community project Integrate climate and energy into my studies/teaching Strengthen my existing organisation/initiative Shift my career towards climate/energy Contribute to policy/advocacy Support other youth as a mentor or organiser

0/3 selected

25. Are you interested in: * Joining the RSA Alumni Network Applying for small project funding after the cohort Being considered for future RSA roles (mentor, facilitator, volunteer)

Section 7 - Consent and Additional Info

26. Where did you hear about the Solar Cohort? * RSA website Social media University/school Friend/colleague Partner organisation Other

27. Anything else you would like us to know? (optional)

28. Consent * I confirm that the information I have provided is accurate. I agree that Rolfes SDG Academy may contact me about this application and related learning opportunities, in line with its privacy policy.

Applications are reviewed manually by the RSA programmes team. Back to Solar Cohort page