Serving the E2Cs since 1998
Definition of a SCS
The Second Chance Schools (SCS) are the result of the European White Paper presented by Mrs Edith Cresson » Teaching and Learning – Towards the Learning Society « . Recognised by local, regional and National Administrations, They are Mainly aimed at Young People Aged 16 to 29 who have left the school system without a diploma or qualification.
The 5 principles of a second chance school
Supported by Public Administrations
Be recognized and supported by the local, regional and national public administrations and act in complementarity and articulation with their policies.
Equity
Ensure equal rights to all, social, citizenship and professional inclusion of unemployed vulnerable young people with the final goal of contributing to tackle the challenges of early leaving from education and training and youth unemployment
Innovative training
Develop their social and professional skills through innovative training characterized by flexible and individualized itineraries referring to official certification systems.
Companies
Maintain a close collaboration with employers from its territory by enabling professional experiences as part of the training.
Networking
Strength cooperation with stakeholders from the civil society, public and private sectors at local, national and European levels and network with other Second Chance Schools at European level.
Youth Agora of Second Chance Schools in Europe
In 2024, a major new initiative was launched with funding from the Benevolentia Foundation and strategic support from the Porticus Foundation. Its ambition is to give young people from E2Cs a structured and meaningful voice in European social and political debates. The project aims to establish a European Youth Council composed of two gender-balanced representatives per country, develop a European Youth Declaration by 2027, and organise a Youth Summit that will result in a documentary to support advocacy and awareness. The first steps took place in late 2024, with a preparatory committee gathering board members, trainers and young people in November, followed by the official kick-off in Paris in December. Each national network has since begun identifying young volunteers eager to engage in this European dynamic.
The project will continue throughout 2025 and 2026 with several key milestones: an online pedagogical meeting on 23 October 2025, further digital exchanges including a session planned for February 2026, and an in-person preparatory meeting in Matosinhos in August (date to be confirmed). The initiative will culminate in the Youth Summit and Live Pedagogical Meeting in Matosinhos, Portugal, from 19 to 23 October 2026, bringing together all young representatives to finalise collective outputs and strengthen their European advocacy voice.
Project Erasmus+- « Building skills through immersion and sharing best practices »
In 2024, Réseau E2C France launched its second major European initiative with an Erasmus+ project designed to strengthen the skills of trainers, pedagogical coordinators and program managers through international immersion and exchange. This transnational project, carried out with partner networks in Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic, includes immersions bringing together around 25 participants per mobility, with nearly 40 professionals involved overall. After forming a strong consortium, securing validation from the Erasmus+ Agency, and completing all logistical and pedagogical preparations, the project received official approval from the European Commission — a strong recognition of its relevance and of the network’s capacity to coordinate a large-scale European program. The project will conclude in March 2026 in the Czech Republic, with a final immersion bringing together all European partners.
Key Figures - 2024
Our European network brings together 124 Second Chance Schools, 3 national networks and 4 partner institutions, supporting more than 28,000 young people each year. Among them, 59% are under 18, 41% are between 18 and 25, and the majority have a qualification level below ISCED 3. Active across 10 countries, the network achieves strong positive outcomes thanks to a shared commitment to inclusion, education and professional integration.
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European Association of Second Chance Schools
32 rue Benjamin Franklin, 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne
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