NSW public school students have the opportunity to join a new global leadership initiative that will provide support such as scholarships to mentoring and seed funding for innovations.

The Public Education Foundation has partnered with the Rise initiative, an international program that connects students, aged 15 to 17 years, who might not be identified or supported through conventional pathways.

Rise aims to develop future leaders dedicated to serving others by providing them with a lifetime of benefits—from scholarships to mentors to seed funding. It is the flagship initiative of Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic initiative of Wendy and Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, and the Rhodes Trust.

Public Education Foundation chief executive David Hetherington said the foundation was proud to partner with Rise and its founders.

"We are reaching out to all the young people in our networks to encourage them to apply to join the first-ever cohort of this extraordinary group,” he said.

All applicants join the Rise community and receive access to learning resources and global opportunities.

Each year around 100 winners from around the world will then be selected and will come together for a residential summit, and receive support for life as they seek to improve the world.

Students aged between 15-17 years on 1 July 2021 can apply through a simple mobile app before January 29 next year to be part of the Rise community.

Applications for five Global Citizen of the Year scholarships close on December 15 and submissions to a free 12-month program to develop your own project to create a fairer world close on December 30.

Visit the Rise website to apply now.