The risk of dropping out of school and the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) is a worrying phenomenon at European level, not only from an educational point of view but also from a psychological and emotional one. Behind these numbers are students who struggle to find motivation, hope, and vision to build their future. It is precisely to respond to these critical issues that we strongly support the project “Upgrade: Enhancing Skills and Guidance for High School Students,” promoted by Fondazione Soleterre ETS. The Soleterre Foundation, established in 2002, is a secular and independent organization that works to protect the fundamental rights of people in so-called “sun lands”: fragile, often forgotten contexts where educational and social needs are greatest. The Foundation has always been committed to building concrete paths to protect the right to health and, more broadly, psycho-physical and social well-being. With Upgrade, the Foundation aims to strengthen the skills of high school students, improve career guidance, and offer targeted psychological support to encourage them to continue their studies or enter training and work programs. The goal is twofold: to combat early school leaving and prevent youth marginalization. The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1: testing the model in a high school in the Pavia area; Phase 2: scaling up and replicating the model tested in a vulnerable context in southern Italy in Taranto, with a view to future scalability of the model on a national scale. The planned activities involve students, teachers, and education professionals in an integrated manner. In particular: educational and career guidance workshops and psychological support services for students are being set up; training and mentorship programs for tutors, guidance counselors, and school psychologists are being implemented, led by expert operators from the Foundation. Overall, the project will involve two secondary schools, reaching approximately 400 students (200 per school), 40 psychologists, 30 teachers, and 10 school counselors and tutors. With Upgrade, we are helping to create more inclusive school environments, where every student can feel valued, supported, and capable of imagining their own future. Details Location: Pavia and Taranto Association: Fondazione Soleterre ETS Beneficiaries: 400 students, 400 psychologists, 30 teachers, and 10 school counselors and tutors Contribution: €120,000 Period: October 2025 – September 2027
