*Disclaimer: Applications for the programme running in Autumn 2025 are now closed.

Are you an EUI researcher, student, fellow or staff member looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while enhancing your own skills? U-Lead offers a unique opportunity to engage in a transformative program that brings together unaccompanied minors, local youth, and researchers in Florence to foster inclusion, build leadership, and generate actionable change.

Why volunteer with U-Lead?

Gain experience in participatory research and working with diverse populations.
Strengthen your skills in leadership, teamwork, mentoring and facilitation.
Invest in your local community and be part of building a welcoming and inclusive community.
Support young people in building job skills to help prepare them for the future.
Connect with young people and the U-Lead team in Florence to explore real problems, find solutions, and advocate for change.
Receive a certificate as a Research Coach

Roles and responsibilities

As a volunteer Research Coach, you will:

Co-facilitate a small group of youth researchers, working to build relationships and teamwork, and helping to ensure that youth have the tools and support to complete the programme.
Guide youth researchers in designing and conducting research.
Foster an inclusive environment so that youth researchers feel confident and supported.
Assist in the preparation and rehearsal of advocacy presentations, focusing on clarity and effectiveness of messaging.
Act as a bridge between youth researchers and facilitators, ensuring smooth communication and addressing any technical questions or concerns.

Qualifications

We welcome any EUI researcher, student, fellow and staff is:

Experienced in either working with youth or conducting research (coaches do not need advanced research training; but need to understand key research components, methods, and processes).
Strong communicators with a passion for mentoring and facilitation
Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
Flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of participants
Proficient in Italian at a B1/B2 level.

Requirements

Attend U-Lead training sessions
While some flexibility is allowed, volunteers are kindly asked to commit to attending the weekly meetings as consistently as possible to ensure steady support for youth participants
Sign and uphold the binding U-Lead Code of Conduct and Youth Safeguarding Plan

Key programme components

Training and preparation: Research coaches will receive training on working with diverse youth, research facilitation, and safeguarding, focusing on participatory methods and mentoring skills.
Research and learning process: Youth will choose topics, formulate questions, and conduct research with support from Research Coaches.
Advocacy and presentation: Findings will be transformed into advocacy messages, culminating in a public presentation to local authorities and community leaders in Florence.
Ongoing support and reflection: Research Coaches will attend daily debriefs to discuss progress, challenges, and adaptations. Safeguarding and consent will be reinforced throughout the programme to ensure a safe and inclusive space for all

Applications for the programme running in Autumn 2025 are now closed.