The URBACT III implementation network-funded Stay Tuned! project aimed to increase the numbers of young people graduating from education and training institutions. In helping to reduce the high number of pupils prematurely dropping out of school, the project helps break the cycle of deprivation and the intergenerational transmission of poverty and inequality in the nine participating European cities.
Stay Tuned! helps prevent early school dropout in EU cities
- 10 August 2020
The teachers in the class and the teachers who have the main responsibility for a pupil are the ones using the app. The app highlights potential problems, so that relationships can develop.
A mobile app was developed to allow teachers and support professionals to record information on pupils' school attendance. It identifies problems at an early stage and directs the user to good practices that may be of help. This allows schools to start guidance measures early on, when problematic absenteeism can still be prevented.
High levels of ‘early leaving’ create many problems
Some European cities face higher levels of ‘early leaving from education and training’ than their national average, representing a serious challenge. Early leaving has significant societal and individual consequences, such as a higher risk of unemployment, poverty, marginalisation, and social exclusion.
Tackling the problem effectively requires breaking the cycle of deprivation and the intergenerational transmission of poverty and inequality.
Policy themes
Stay Tuned! used a set of policy themes, grouping different actions and interventions the partner cities were using to prevent early leaving. These themes include: guiding and orienting pupils, reaching out to vulnerable groups, professionalising and supporting school teams, creating non-academic routes into training and the labour market, intervening early to keep pupils and trainees engaged, and organising efforts into an integrated plan.
The project was implemented as part of Urbact, the European Territorial Cooperation programme that aims to foster sustainable integrated urban development in cities across Europe. It uses resources and know-how to strengthen cities’ capacities to make improvements in five areas: governance, environment, inclusion, physical urban development, and economy.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project "Stay tuned - boosting the frequency of qualification" is EUR 749 194, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 562 209 through the “URBACT III” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.