High quality vocational education and training (VET) is a key driver of Europe’s digital and green transitions. This is why Villum Foundation, part of VELUX Foundations, has donated €17 million to innovative educational projects across France and Italy. The aim is to equip young people with the skills necessary to build a more sustainable and competitive society and support the inclusion of vulnerable youth.
"Vocational education is a cornerstone in Europe’s journey toward a greener and more digital society. These projects were chosen for their potential to provide essential skills while inspiring confidence and ambition in young people to lead this transformation,” says Nicolas Schunck, Grant area Director at Villum Foundation.
A total of thirteen projects have received funding – ranging from initiatives supporting NEETs (youth not in education, employment or training), to projects aimed at developing eco-friendly and digital practices in education and training.
Education as a lever for inclusion
Many of the projects focus on supporting vulnerable and at-risk youth in accessing education and enable their direct transition into employment.
“Integrating young people into education and employment goes beyond equipping them with technical skills. It also requires fostering their self-confidence and developing essential soft skills. The selected projects will explore diverse approaches tailored to specific target groups, generating valuable insights into effective methods and activities,” says Nicolas Schunck.
In Italy, several projects target the regions of Sicily and Apulia and are based on innovative approaches to meet the challenges of school dropout rates and socio-economic conditions. The initiatives aim to address educational and social disparities by motivating and equipping young people with the skills needed to build brighter futures.
Among the projects in Italy, The LIGHT Learning Initiatives for Green and High-Tech which aims to bridge the education gaps in Catania’s Librino district and Caltagirone, in Sicily. By improving teacher competencies and engaging students through innovative curricula and practical experiences, the project aims to equip young people with the skills and motivation needed to succeed in the evolving job market and contribute to societal challenges, particularly in environmental protection and digital innovation. Integrating these elements into the educational framework will help produce aworkforce that is not only proficient in new technologies but also committed to sustainable practices. The project seeks to create a sustainable and replicable model for systemic change.
“By funding innovative and inclusive education programs in regions with potential for development, we aim to support a strong European community, where young Europeans are empowered to face future challenges,” says Nicolas Schunck.
The projects are funded through the Villum Foundation European Youth and Education Grant Area.
About the Villum Foundation European Youth and Education Grant Area (EYE)
The Villum Foundation’s grant area European Youth and Education is dedicated to empowering young Europeans to meet the challenges of the future. The aim is to support the enhancement of young peoples’ skills for the evolving job market with a focus on the green and digital transitions. Special attention is paid to ensuring that vulnerable youth also receive support to actively participate in society and become self-reliant citizens.
About Villum Foundation
Villum Foundation, part of the VELUX Foundations, is a philanthropic foundation that supports research and education in technical and natural science as well as environmental, social and cultural projects in Denmark and internationally. In 2024, Villum Foundation allocated EUR 132.2 million in grants.
Villum Foundation was established in 1971 by graduate engineer Villum Kann Rasmussen - the founder of VELUX and other companies in the VKR Group, whose mission it is to bring daylight, fresh air and a better environment into people’s everyday lives. Villum Foundation is a major shareholder in the VKR Group, but does not have a controlling interest in VKR Holding A/S.
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