The Mobility for the Future: Education and Career Guidance for Students in Rural and Urban Areas, implemented in partnership with the Dacia Foundation for Romania, supports 1,000 students in grades 7-8 from the counties of Arges, Dambovita, Prahova, and Buzau, facilitating their transition from middle school to high school or to technical pathways relevant to the job market. Through career guidance activities, mentoring, visits to employers, and virtual tours, students gain practical exposure and access to career role models.

Main activities:

• INSPIRE (1,000 students): Access to classroom activities and hands-on learning materials – the JA “Economy and Succes” module and a workbook on the automotive industry
• PREPARE (500 students): Personal development sessions and themed webinars led by education experts
• SUCCEED 250 students): Company visits, the “Innovation DayTM” workshop on sustainable mobility, the “Povesti de drum bun” (“Stories of a Good Journey”) caravan, and scholarships awarded to 5 active students

Educational materials will be developed and testimonials will be collected, helping to build trust in education and reduce the rural-urban divide.

Objectives

• Increasing students’ educational and professional mobility
• Building confidence in their own abilities and in the role of education for the future
• Building bridges between school and the job market
• Strengthening a community support network

Context

The project addresses the need for career counseling and exposure to professional opportunities for students in disadvantaged areas, reducing the risk of dropping out of school and facilitating a smoother educational transition.

Uniqueness

Unlike other initiatives that have been implemented, Mobility for the Future: Education and Career Guidance for Students in Rural and Urban Areas integrates education, mentoring, and real-world experiences (visits, virtual tours, the “Povesti de drum bun” (“Stories of a Good Journey”) caravan, offering a holistic model of career guidance.

Projected results

• Growing interest in technical/vocational studies
• Reducing the dropout rate in selected schools
• Providing clarity on career options
• Building sustainable partnerships between schools, communities, and the labor market

Duration: 12 months

Geographic area: Arges, Dambovita, Prahova, and Buzau counties