EU4Youth Alumni Network

I've already participated in an EU-funded youth project in the past: am I eligible to apply for the EU4Youth Alumni Network?

The programme is designed specifically for former participants of EU-funded programmes who would like to continue their engagement and apply the skills they have learned to reach out to and support disadvantaged youth in their area to become active too.

Applications are welcome from young people in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, between the ages of 18 and 30 (in exceptional cases, applicants older than 30 may be considered). 

Previous participation in an EU-funded initiative is required, such as: Erasmus+, Youth in Action, European Solidarity Corps (previously European Voluntary Service), EU4Youth, Young European Ambassadors, Civil Society Fellowships or other regional or national programmes relevant to youth and youth work.

What is the selection process for the EU4Youth Alumni Network?

10-12 Alumni will be selected in each country to participate in the programme for 10 months. Any young person interested in joining the network should submit their application and carefully take into account the selection criteria. The selection will be conducted by the programme team and the mentors, considering the applicants’ motivation, related experience and eligibility.

The applicants should demonstrate how they meet the criteria, which include the age and country requirements, previous participation in an EU-funded programme, commitment and availability to participate actively in the programme for 10 months, clear motivation and some level of experience (or institutional background) in working with youth and disadvantaged youth groups.

Do I have to work at an NGO or be a youth worker to participate?

While candidates engaged in the non-profit or social entrepreneurship sector are welcome, no such affiliation is required to become an Alumnus/Alumna. The participants will work with Mentors, who are experienced professionals in youth work, to develop their initiatives. Once part of the programme, you will receive training and resources to implement the initiative, either by yourself or as part of a team, and have the space to discuss the ideas with your fellow Alumni in the Network.

The initiative you will develop should focus on outreach/mobilising, empowering and on supporting the better engagement of disadvantaged young people in their local communities, based on their needs. The initiative will also support their knowledge and participation in EU mobility programmes, where feasible.

I am currently a student/employed, how much time per week would participation in the Network require?

The cycle lasts from January until October 2024. On average it takes 2-3 full days per month during the 10-month period to develop and implement your initiative. Some months may be more intensive, for example when residential meetings with the whole network are held (such as an onboarding meeting of 2-3 days, or a final evaluation meeting of 3-4 days).

As a member of the Network, you are requested to participate in several events on the national and international level (online, hybrid or residential). This includes an onboarding meeting, thematic workshops, IdeaLab for development of the initiative ideas, mid-term meeting, final evaluation meeting, as well as regular meetings with your mentor and the target groups.

Will I receive financial support to develop and implement my initiative?

The Alumni volunteer their time to be part of the network (non-remunerated). However, each team (2-3 Alumni) will receive financial support (up to €1,500) to cover the necessary costs of implementing the initiative in the community, with 20-30 beneficiaries. As an Alumnus/Alumna, you will receive ongoing regular mentorship from an experienced youth worker. They will be able to guide you in your learning and support with the development of your initiative to meet the needs and aims identified.

Do we get to meet in person with the others, and if so, do I need to cover my own travel expenses?

As a member of the Alumni Network, you will be one of many young people volunteering in the network to implement their initiatives across the Eastern partner countries. An emphasis is placed on sharing of experiences and ideas, which happens through the Alumni Network meetings during the cycle (online, hybrid or residential, subject to pandemic regulations). The costs associated with participation in these meetings are covered by the programme.

How does the EU4Youth Alumni Network help participants to stay in touch?

The EU4Youth Alumni Network is more than just a one-off training or networking event. All the participants are offered the tools and spaces to stay in touch. As the programme cycle runs for up to 10 months and includes meetings with the whole network, this helps to foster meaningful connections among the network members within the country and the EaP region.

After the end of the cycle, some Alumni may reapply to the network and join for more than one cycle. Others continue with their initiatives and develop them further outside the programme. Alumni who want to remain active, but not as members of the network, may further benefit from access to relevant educational/training/capacity building offers in the framework of the Network. Information is also shared with ex-Alumni on various opportunities from which they can benefit, and gatherings between current and former Alumni are organised to encourage exchange and support.