The project developed evidence-informed approaches to training for student ambassadors that enable them to promote social inclusion and educational progression, as well as empower them to become active, engaged citizens in their local communities. The main objectives of the project were: (1) identifying inclusion strategies and promoting social inclusion in European HE for disadvantaged groups in relation to access, retention and success; (2) develop models of cross sector working with student ambassador/volunteers to reach increased numbers of disadvantaged/ marginalized young people, promoting social inclusion; (3) develop a package of training modules for student ambassadors/ volunteers and cross sector organisations working with them to be shared locally, regionally, nationally and transnationally; (4) engage, connect and empower young people by developing regional, national and trans-national Professional Learning Networks of student ambassadors.
There are many vulnerable groups of young people across Europe. Reducing social inequities and social exclusion has been and remains one of the key objectives at the European level. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine created a crisis that directly and indirectly impacted all social categories. All these factors may lead to a rise in the cost of university programs, which could potentially enhance social and economic well-being. This, in turn, could result in the exclusion of new groups from higher education (HE) in some European countries. Developing inclusive policies that expand access to opportunities is essential to combating this phenomenon of exclusion. The purpose of this proposal was to promote the social and educational inclusion of disadvantaged groups, as well as nontraditional learners, by using a network of student ambassadors for inclusion in HE. It thus satisfies a pressing need and a requested priority and addresses one of the most important features of the Erasmus+ program. Student ambassadors can play a significant role in addressing inequalities, supporting younger students in developing social and cultural capital and exploring new possible selves.