Activity objectives

The following objectives have been set for the seminar, which seeks to:
▪ Support National Agencies staff members responsible for the European youth programmes in making sense of evidence-based data
▪ Suppprt beneficiaries implementing projects and activities within the European youth programmes in making sense of evidence-based data
▪ Explore how to work with and use research by aquiring the development of data sensemaking skills
▪ Explore strategic approaches to working with data
▪ Explore and provide practical and tools to work with data
▪ Exchange knowledge and skills on already existing practices
▪ Contribute to the enhancement of the quality of projects implemented within the European youth programmes
▪ Raise awareness of the open data portal, developed by the RAY Network

Description

CONTEXT

Since 2008, the RAY Network – a self-governed European youth research network of National Agencies of the European youth programmes and their research partners – has been conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of both European youth programmes (Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps), as well as implementing thematic research projects on different topics and programme priorities (www.researchyouth.net/projects/).

The amount and diversity of youth research on national and transnational levels has increased within the European youth programmes in the last years. Different stakeholders, including National Agencies have conducted research in different contexts as well as encouraged beneficiaries of the European youth programmes to draw on, and undertake, research more consistently. As a result, more and more projects have begun to integrate research as a component in their projects.

The latest RAY monitoring surveys were conducted in 2023 (www.researchyouth.net/news/ray-mon-research-report-2024/) and with fresh findings and new evidence-based data the next steps start: utilizing findings and data for practical and strategic purposes. This does not only apply to research done by RAY but also other evidence-based youth research in Europe.

The RAY Thematic Seminar seeks to support National Agencies as well as beneficiaries within the European youth field in walking the next steps.

AIMS

The main aim of the seminar is to explore and discuss how data and evidence-based research findings within the European youth programmes can be used for programme implementation purposes, including practical and strategic approaches.

PARTICIPANTS

The RAY Thematic Seminar seeks to involve 45 participants, including:

• Staff members from National Agencies responsible for the European youth programmes (Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps), specifically colleagues working with monitoring, impact and research topics; programme officers for all actions; colleagues working with the strategic planning and organisation of trainings and events; colleagues responsible for long-term activities; as well as staff members advising beneficiaries.
• Beneficiaries implementing projects and activities within the European youth programmes (Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps), including project managers, youth workers, youth leaders, trainers and facilitators.

The seminar aims to involve three participants per country, this could include two beneficiaries and one National Agency colleague. The final number of selected participants per country depends on the overall number of applications in general and by country.

PRACTICALITIES

The RAY Thematic Seminar takes place from 11-13 June 2025. The seminar will last 2 ½ days, starting in the afternoon on 11 June and ending in the evening on 13 June. The timing should allow most participants to arrive on 11 June in the morning and depart on 14 June in the morning.