Participate

Who can join

We are looking for young people who are: 

• between 15 to 17 years old
• live in or near Florence
  
• motivated to make a difference
• from different cultural backgrounds and speak different languages
• open to meeting new people and sharing your thoughts and experiences

What you’ll do: 

• Meet new people: Connect with youth from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Work with researchers: Explore real problems, find solutions, and advocate for change on the issues that matter to you.
• Shape your community: Be part of activities and projects that create a real impact where you live.
• Learn new skills: Develop hard and soft skills that are among the most requested in the job market.
• Get support: Meet researchers from all around the world who will coach and support you as you learn new skills.

Where

 We’ll meet at the European University Institute’s campus. 

Why Join U-Lead

• Boost your resume: You’ll gain skills in  
  • Problem-solving 
  • Interviewing 
  • Data collection 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Leadership  
  • Teamwork and networking 
  • Communication and public speaking 
• Gadgets: Get cool U-Lead-branded gear like t-shirts, bags, and notebooks.
  
• Official certificate: Earn a Certificate of Participation from the university to show off your achievements.

The 2026 Autumn Programme will run for twelve consecutive weeks, starting on 1 October, with one afternoon session per week in Florence. Sessions are scheduled from 15:00 to 19:00 on Thursdays, except on 7 and 21 October and 25 November, when they will be held on Wednesdays. The conferring ceremony will take place on Friday, 11 December.