91ֱ

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Decarbonization leaders program

SGI’s Office of Decarbonization in partnership with Power Sustainable

We’re thrilled to announce the selection of the inaugural 2025 cohort of the Decarbonization Leaders Program - congratulations to our first-ever participants! Over the coming months, we look forward to following their journey and sharing the experiences and insights that emerge. Stay connected by following us on or for updates on the cohort’s activities. We expect the next edition of the program to take place in Fall 2026 - stay tuned for updates

The Challenge

Decarbonization is one of the defining challenges of our generation. It is no longer only a question of technology or policy — it is systemic: institutional, cultural, and political. Progress is too often fragmented, slow, and incremental, while the scale of the crisis demands bold, accelerated transformation.

The Opportunity

At 91ֱ’s Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI), we collaborate with our industry partner , with the support of , to empower the next generation of decarbonization leaders. By connecting 91ֱ’s most valuable assets - our students - with the creativity, resources, and networks they need, we’re building a powerful community ready to reimagine and accelerate a sustainable future. The Decarbonization Leadership Program has been recognized on the Student Experience Record, within the “Professional Development” category.

The Ambition

Develop the next generation of leaders who will rise to this challenge. This first-of-a-kind program is designed as a leadership journey: building a structured pathway for students and student groups to drive ambitious decarbonization efforts.

The Call to action

How might 91ֱ student leaders leverage the institution’s strengths and resources to catalyze accelerated decarbonization, on campus and beyond?

What

The program runs through the academic year with workshops, 1-on-1 coaching, peer networking, and access to experts. Students will explore the systems behind decarbonization, identify leverage points, and imagine bold opportunities for action. In the winter, they will prototype, experiment, and iterate to test ideas and build influence. The journey culminates in March with a Demo Day, where participants share their insights and bold visions with partners and decision-makers.

When

  • September 1st – Application deadline
  • Mid-September – Preparatory meetup with participants and coaches (45min par student)
  • October Bootcamp 2 days: October 3 & 4
  • October to December – Workshops (4 x 3h) + 1 mid-point check-in (1 x 2h)
  • January to March – Workshops (3 x 3h) + 1 mid-point check-in (1 x 2h)
  • End of March – Demo Day (1 x 3h)

Time commitment

  • In addition to the time commitment for workshops and cohort activities, the in-between work is light but meaningful, focused on
    • engaging with decision-makers and thought leaders, and;
    • reflecting and analyzing insights.

This workload is designed to complement your existing priorities as student leaders and strengthen your leadership journey rather than add unrelated tasks.

The calendar has been carefully planned to minimize overlaps with peak moments in the academic year, such as midterms, finals, and fall/spring breaks.

Who can apply

  • 91ֱ students engaged with student organizations:
    • Maximum 2 students per student group: 1 executive leader and 1 nominee.
  • Individual participants aspiring to join an existing student group or create a new student group are welcome to apply.
  • Students who stand out through their leadership and other forms of engagement are also strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Stay tuned for news about the anticipated Fall 2026 cohort!

Contact Information for Queries: sgi [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Decarbonization%20Leaders%20Program%20)


Our Partners

91ֱ’s Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI) is honored to collaborate with whose commitment and partnership are essential in empowering the next generation of decarbonization leaders. Working with the strategic expertise of , an innovation agency specialized in system transformation, we are confident that the Decarbonization Leaders Program will provide an enriching and out- of- the- box approach to mobilize the next generation of changemakers.

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