The idea of #ESCalate came about after the implementation of our youth exchange Keep the Hype in June 2023, and the experiences shared by the partners when it came to supporting young people who transition from European ESC volunteering experiences to their professional and social lives. Many former volunteers, after completing their ESC experiences, express a strong desire to continue contributing to the field of youth work and non-formal learning (NFL). However, they often find it difficult to translate their skills into professional opportunities or to find structured ways to remain engaged in the sector. In our daily work as youth workers, we observe that former volunteers return from their ESC experiences highly motivated, having developed key skills such as initiative, leadership, adaptability and teamwork. However, once back in their local environments, many have difficulty maintaining this momentum. The transition from an immersive, supportive and intercultural ESC environment to everyday life — often in contexts where these experiences are not fully recognised — can generate uncertainty, demotivation or disconnection. We have also recognised a lack of tools in organisations active in youth work to provide appropriate post-project support and mentoring. #ESCalate has emerged as a response to this challenge. Its objective is to explore structured ways for former ESC volunteers to continue to be actively engaged in the field of youth work, equipping them with the tools, methodologies and networks essential to becoming youth workers, while providing organisations active in the field of youth work with new methodologies for an adequate and quality post-volunteering mentoring process, which translates into a pedagogical and innovative exploration of different methodologies. In this way, the project contributes to the overall objectives of the E+ programme, strengthening youth work, fostering active participation and improving the recognition of non-formal learning. With this in mind, the project has the following objectives: -To facilitate the professionalisation of ESC ex-volunteers by providing them with the tools and skills necessary for the transition to roles within youth work, such as facilitation and project management. -To strengthen the capacity of youth workers and organisations through the exchange of good practices and innovative mentoring methodologies to support ex-volunteers in their post-ESC journey. -Develop a set of practical resources (two toolkits) for youth workers and former volunteers, offering guidance on professional development, community participation, applying the skills acquired during the ESC in their future careers, and effective mentoring. -Strengthen networks and collaboration by creating a European community of youth workers and former volunteers, fostering mentoring opportunities and promoting peer learning. -Increase the recognition of ESC experiences in professional and social contexts by promoting the added value of volunteering both in the youth work sector and in employability. -Foster active citizenship and inclusion by supporting young people in applying the competences acquired in the ESC in their local communities and promoting their participation in European mobility programmes.