Question 1

What is Bright Green Future?

Accepted Answer

Bright Green Future is a leadership and empowerment programme that equips young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle climate change and clean energy through their education choices and future careers. The programme includes a range of opportunities for young people aged 16 -19 in the UK, including residential training, online skills workshops, mentoring and a project on a real-world climate justice issue.

Our programme consists of 4 online webinars, an in-person 5-day residential, and a local research project started individually but completed in small groups on residential. Webinar participation is essential for joining us on residential.

Question 2

What does BGF mean by 'leadership'?

Accepted Answer

For us, leadership means making decisions based on your values and influencing others.

We're not just talking about being a CEO or leading a team (although for you it might be those things).  Leadership means finding the best way you can make an impact.  For example, you might be studying engineering and bring a discussion about sustainable materials and construction to a project. Or be working in a coffee shop and talking to colleagues about stocking locally-sourced food. It could even be something as simple as starting a conversation about sustainability with a friend or family member.

Not sure what we mean about focusing on energy? That's okay. Through the programme and our alumni network, you will learn the basics and find more opportunities to advocate for ditching fossil fuels and leading the charge towards a clean, renewable future.

Question 3

Why is it free?

Accepted Answer

BGF has been free since we began in 2016. BGF is run by a charity (the Centre for Sustainable Energy) so we cover the costs of BGF through the support of multiple funders, including Blagrave Trust and others.

Being free supports our goal to be as accessible as possible, and tackle inequity within access to green careers faced by people of different backgrounds. We cover all the accommodation costs of the Residential, we reimburse your travel costs and can provide any resources for your project.

Question 4

How do I apply and what is the application process?

Accepted Answer

Complete the application form found on this application page of our website. Applications close 31st November 2024.

The application form takes about 30 minutes to complete. It includes questions about who you are and why you'd like to join Bright Green Future. You have the option to answer the questions about why you're applying with typed text or voice recording. There is no interview.

We assess each application individually and you're advised to submit your application as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close applications at any time, once we have received sufficient applications. It’s best to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

If you apply when we are full, we may offer the opportunity to roll your place over to a future cohort.

Question 5

Do I need to be studying STEM subjects?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to be studying science or engineering to advocate for a low carbon future which is fair for everyone. In fact, we believe that a future without fossil fuels will only happen if there is leadership emerging from right across society, which reflects and embraces the diverse voices and concerns of every citizen.

We encourage applications from individuals aged 16 to 19 in the UK studying (or working) in any discipline.

Question 6

What kind of applicants is BGF looking for?

Accepted Answer

Feeling overwhelmed, doubting whether you know enough or wondering if Bright Green Future is for you?

BGF is open to anyone who lives in the UK with an interest in climate change and having a positive impact. Our students are motivated, willing to learn, and passionate about big issues. When we talk about climate change on BGF, we also include social issues such as how climate change and fossil fuels affect how we live now, and what a low carbon future might look like.

We want to make BGF as accessible as possible! During the programme we'll have accessible activities, prayer spaces, tasty food for different dietary requirements and supportive staff there to help with anything that comes up for you.

Question 7

Why does BGF focus on young people of colour?

Accepted Answer

Bright Green Future aims to recruit young people of colour as 75% of participants.  The programme is not exclusive to young people from these backgrounds, anyone aged 16-19 in the UK can apply. However, we particularly welcome applications from young people of colour because they are under-represented within the environmental sector. This is something we are seeking to change.

A 2022 report on Racial Diversity in Environmental Professions found that "Environment professionals are one of the least racially diverse professions in the UK, with just 4.81% identifying as Black, Asian or from other minority ethnic groups*, compared to 12.64% across all UK professions".

An NUS study also found that 9% of UK students in higher education studying direct feeder subjects to environment professions identify as non-white minorities compared to 22% of UK students in higher education identifying as non-white minorities.

*We know putting people into categories can diminish individual identities and this is problematic. Bright Green Future uses the term 'people of colour' to describe people that experience inequity because of their race or ethnic group, as this has been identified as preferred by a group of Bright Green Future alumni. However, when referencing research, we use the researchers’ terminology for consistency which most commonly is ‘Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic’ (often termed BAME).

Question 8

What will I gain?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge
Find out more about climate change and learn how the energy system is key to adapting our transport, buildings, food and waste for a sustainable future. More importantly, you'll learn where fairness fits into a fossil fuel-free future and how you can get onboard to make a better world.

In the interactive webinars, you'll get to meet professionals working in different jobs with a positive impact. You can ask them questions and find out about their education and career paths.

Experience
You'll work with others to create a project on a local issue of your choice, and gain skills like collaboration, facilitation, critical thinking, analysis and conflict resolution. We'll run expert-led training, giving you the skills and knowledge to design a project with impact. Depending on when you join BGF, your project may be a group or solo assignment, creating a campaign, making a workshop or working to embed climate education at your school.

Connections
Once you've received your graduation certificate, you'll join our thriving alumni network to keep networking and learning from other people who've done BGF. We can also provide references for job applications and volunteering schemes.

Community 
You'll be joining a diverse group of 20 individuals who are passionate about creating change. After getting to know each other online, you'll meet in person at our immersive residential where you'll connect through workshops, outdoor activities and toasting marshmallows around the fire.

Question 9

What is the time commitment?

Accepted Answer

Whether you are working or studying, BGF is designed to fit around your existing commitments. But you don't have to be either working or studying to join - as long as you're aged 16-19, you're welcome to submit an application.

The first 2 months of BGF is attending webinars and researching your project. There are four online webinars (every second week), plus your own time researching your project. We anticipate the webinars and project will take you 8 hours per month.

The Residential is five days and four nights, and happens in the final month of BGF.

Question 10

What support will I get?

Accepted Answer

Throughout the programme, you'll have a mentor who will either be a member of BGF staff or an alumni staff member. They'll have regular check ins with your small group to see how you're getting on and give guidance.

You can also explore where you're at and what you're planning for your next work or education step through a one-to-one coaching session with one of our trained BGF staff coaches.

Throughout the whole programme, BGF staff will always be available to answer questions and support you via email and during the in-person events. You can read about our staff here.

Question 11

Who are the BGF team?

Accepted Answer

The Bright Green Future team all work at the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) which is an established and respected energy charity that has been working to address climate change and fuel poverty for over 40 years.

Find out more about the team here.

Question 12

Which parts are in-person and which are online?

Accepted Answer

Online
These parts of the programme will take part online during the first two months:
- Webinars with informative talks, group discussions & green career professionals
- Optional check-in calls with your mentor
- Individual work on your project

In-person
The four night in-person Residential will be at the conclusion of the programme. This takes place at Condover Hall in Shropshire.  For 2025, the Residential is from 12th to 16th April and is compulsory.

All the accommodation and travel costs are covered by us, no matter where in the UK you are coming from.
We use email to stay in touch and Zoom for our webinars.

Question 13

How physically accessible is the Residential?

Accepted Answer

There is step-free access to the main workshop rooms, bedrooms and food hall at Condover Hall. This includes wheelchair accessible bedrooms and bathrooms.

The grounds at Condover Hall are generally wheelchair accessible (flat gravel paths, concrete, grass or compacted earth) and there is an option for moving around the grounds on a electric buggy.

The residential does involve physical outdoor activities including canoeing, zip wiring and a three mile walk around the surrounding countryside. All the activities are completely optional, and there will always be a different workshop you can take part in instead.

We are keen to make the residential as accessible as possible, and will be as flexible as we can to support your needs. If there's something you'd like to chat to the BGF team about before applying, please email bgf@cse.org.uk

Question 14

Will I have to travel?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need to travel to the in-person Residential. It’s likely you’ll travel by yourself on public transport. As a sustainable energy programme, we want to prioritise public transport as the way people get to events.

However, we do want to make sure you can get there in a way that works for you. We can chat about which travel option is good for you and the route you’ll take. BGF staff can meet you at the local train station to take you to the venue and back.

We can also speak with your parent/guardian about travel options as well. Just pop us an email at bgf@cse.org.uk, we're always happy to help.