By implementing the project, we aimed to enhance the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of study practices in higher education, with a strong focus on those implemented in NGOs. The project sought to establish study practices as structured and well-supported learning experiences recognised within higher education systems. A key objective was to strengthen support systems for study practices by building the capacities of Career Centre counsellors, coordinators, and mentors in both HEI and NGOs. By providing training, tools, and shared quality standards, MILEAGE aimed to improve mentoring quality, student–NGO matching and learning outcomes. NGOs were recognised as valuable learning environments for developing new skills, civic engagement, and employability-relevant competences. In addition, MILEAGE aimed to increase inclusiveness by enabling access to quality study practices for students with fewer opportunities. Finally, the project sought to achieve long-term impact by advocating for the recognition of study practice learning outcomes in students’ academic results and by developing transferable models and digital tools for wider European use.
We applied for the MILEAGE project to address clearly identified needs in higher education for innovative, inclusive, and high-quality study practices, particularly those implemented in cooperation with NGOs. The project builds on a previously tested model in the HEI environment, which demonstrated strong employability outcomes in NGOs sector and highlighted the importance of mentors and matching students with the NGOs. MILEAGE strengthens collaboration between higher education institutions and NGOs by integrating NGOs as recognised learning environments for problem-based, interdisciplinary, and civic learning, addressing their lack of structured support, and helping HEIs develop more flexible, student-centred models that better align with labour market needs and reduce skills mismatches. The project addresses these needs by developing a quality support system for study practices in NGOs, building the capacities of career counsellors, higher education institution coordinators, and NGO mentors, and piloting inclusive study practices with a strong focus on students with fewer opportunities.