About the Programme
We have some exciting news to share! 🥳✨
The Academy of the Near Future has been invited to represent Dublin in an exciting EU project called YOUth Lab, alongside partners from Riga, Valongo, Kielce, and the Liguria Region. This project will run for the next two years until December 2027.
We’re looking to create a panel of 10 young people to join us on this project, where you will explore other European cities, get inspired, and take action to deliver an initiative in Dublin
Why join us?
Explore different cities across Europe and learn about their youth spaces (all travel covered).
Meet young people from other countries and share ideas.
Participate in workshops, developing ideas to make Dublin more youth-friendly.
Develop an initiative to trial in Dublin.
Gain experience, make connections, and make a real impact in your community.
Our Ideal Participant
You’re between the ages of 18–21.
You’re curious about the world around you and interested in solving challenges.
You can commit to joining at least one international trip and will participate in the Dublin-based workshop to show our guests what Dublin has to offer.
You have leadership experience, ideally as a youth representative (especially relevant if you have sat on youth councils such as Comhairle na nÓg, your school’s Youth Council or class representative).
Timeline
Some trips may take place during term time if you are a student. While not all travel dates are finalised, the current timeline is:
- 20–23 April 2026: Kielce, Poland
- 16–19 September 2026: Dublin, Ireland
- November 2026: Valongo, Portugal.
- December 2026 - February 2027: Liguria, Italy
- Feb - April 2027: Riga, Latvia
- May - June 2027: Valongo, Portugal.
How to Apply:
There will be a short application form. Applicants will be shortlisted and invited to a brief online interview with the Academy of the Near Future team.
Deadline to apply: March 6th
Interviews will take place the following week, we can be flexible to your availability