Lene Oftedal European Commission Nicosia Youth on the Move and the Social Dimension of Higher Education

2 1.Introduction: the European policy context 2.Rationale 3.Conclusions Outline presentation

3 Europe2020 and Youth on the Move The Bologna Process Education&Training 2020 Modernisation Agenda for Universities European Policy Context

What is Youth on the Move? An EU “flagship initiative” to respond to the challenges young people face and to help them succeed in the knowledge economy – adopted 15 September 2010 The EU’s first integrated strategy for young people, embracing both education/training and employment One of seven “flagships” in the Europe 2020 strategy for “smart, sustainable and inclusive growth” (launched 03/10, endorsed 06/10)

What is the social dimension? equality of opportunities in higher education access, participation and successful completion of studies guidance and counselling financial support student participation in higher education governance. Equal opportunities in mobility, portability of financial support, removing barriers, and providing incentives.

Youth on the Move “Europe’s future depends on its 100 million young people” By 2020, 35% of all jobs will require high-level qualifications (today: 29%) = “knowledge economy” Too many school leavers (15% of year olds have less than upper secondary education) Only 31% of EU population have an HE degree (USA: > 40%, Japan: > 50%) Youth unemployment is too high: 21%

Youth on the Move 4 Focus areas : Lifelong learning and social dimension Modernisation of Higher education Learning Mobility Employability

Early School Leaving Higher Education Attainment (Age 30-34) % 10% at most % 40% at least

9 % year olds with HE-degree

Entry rates different groups

E&T 2010

Support EU competences mean: Open Method of Coordination Member States in driving seat (including for funding) EU plays facilitating, agenda-setting and benchmarking role EU programmes: support mobility + joint projects in support of YoM objectives + Member State activities Argument for increased EU resources for (…..?!) 15/Public_consultation_on_EU_funding_programmes_in_edu cation_training_and_youth.aspx

Why Social Dimension Widening access for untraditional students Second chancers Upgrade workforce Personal growth Active citizenship New carrier pathways

Participating in LLL per country

15 Bologna – Process to push Social Dimension

Bologna ministerial 2009 The student body within higher education should reflect the diversity of Europe’s populations. Access into higher education should be widened by fostering the potential of students from underrepresented groups and by providing adequate conditions for the completion of their studies. Each participating country will set measurable targets for widening overall participation and increasing participation of underrepresented groups in higher education Report by WG to Bologna Ministerial 2012

18 Conclusion: Make RPL systems more efficient and transparent for users

19 Conclusion : Widening acess to higher education

Concluding remarks EU is coordinating through Open Method of Coordination and LLP projects Member states responsibility to establish a sustainable social dimension strategy Higher Education Institutions to implement Stakeholder involvement Strong involvement from Bologna Experts and Higher Education Reform Experts Let’s move-both youth, forever youngers and experts

Thank you for your attention!