YSC: Young Smart Cities
YSC
is a KA2 Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project coordinated by ELA
The program
YOUNG SMART CITIES
is based on the EU initiative of having 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. YOUNG SMART CITIES is committed to providing teachers with content and tools that allow them to introduce their students to the concept of Smart Cities in a fun and engaging way, while also training them in competency-based learning for the future, thus helping to better prepare their students for future jobs.
One of the tools we use is problem-based learning to tackle cases without easy solutions, showing that true sustainability requires more than just a change in direction. The project aims to raise awareness and prepare secondary school students on issues related to climate change and Smart Cities, providing them with the knowledge and skills essential to tackle the challenges of transitioning to sustainable and zero-emission cities.
Project overview
Project info
Action: KA220-SCH – Cooperation partnerships in school education
Project code: KA220-NW-23-36-158864
Duration: 2024 – 2027
Themes addressed
Education, Sustainability, problem-based learning, skill-based learning
Partners of the project
REALSCHULE (DE)
Szkoła Marzeń (PL)
WAME-Fondazione AEM (IT) International School of Bologna (IT)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
ELA, Erasmus Learning Academy (ES)
Project Outcomes
To achieve the project’s primary objectives, the partnership will design and develop five targeted outcomes specifically for secondary school teachers, trainers, and students aged between 12 and 16.
Creation of an interactive and innovative learning platform
A user-friendly, multimedia digital platform that offers students dynamic and engaging content to intuitively understand the concepts of Net Zero and Smart Cities. Using various multimedia formats – such as videos, audio, images, blogs, and vlogs – the platform will make even the most complex topics accessible through an interactive and fun approach. The platform will be co-designed with the contribution of students, allowing them to feel part of the creation process and learn actively.
Teacher Training
The project includes two specific training courses for teachers, with curriculum and supporting materials to facilitate student-centered learning and encourage autonomy in learning. The courses aim to promote the acquisition of key skills to prepare students to actively participate in the building of sustainable and smart cities. The training will also enable teachers to support the development of the following skills: empathy, digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, exploratory thinking, and collaboration, addressing environmental and social issues relevant to Smart Cities in an interdisciplinary way.
Teaching Materials for Teachers
Content and tools that will enable teachers to introduce their students to the concept of Smart Cities in a fun and engaging way, while also training them in competency-based learning for the future, thus better preparing their students for future jobs. One of the tools we use is problem-based learning, to tackle cases with no easy solutions, demonstrating that true sustainability requires more than just a shift in direction.
Creation of a Community
An online collaborative environment compliant with GDPR that will allow students and teachers from across Europe to interact and share their experiences and solutions regarding the challenges of Net Zero Smart Cities. This secure space will provide them with the opportunity to experiment together, collaborate with innovative stakeholders, and participate in dedicated working groups to create a network of innovators and socially responsible leaders. The community will be an open space for active participation, engagement with experts, and the development of concrete projects for the future of sustainable cities.
Case Studies and Guidelines for Prototypes
A collection of case studies developed in collaboration with local businesses and municipal authorities, showcasing practical examples of issues and solutions related to Net Zero Smart Cities. Students will work on these case studies to propose solutions and will have detailed guidelines for developing prototypes of various solutions, thus gaining practical skills. These case studies not only enhance their theoretical understanding but also encourage the direct application of knowledge to real-life situations, developing concrete skills in sustainability and urban innovation.
What’s going on in the project?
Young Smart Cities Knowledge Pills Game Competition is open!
Do your students have ideas for making cities smarter, safer and more sustainable? Now is their chance to explore real urban challenges and share their ideas.
The competition is open to classes aged 12–18. Choose one of four Knowledge Pill topics:
- Smart Cities – recommended for younger students aged 12–14
- Citizen Participation
- Waste Management
- Safety in Cities – the last three topics are generally more suitable for students aged 15–18
Students will also develop a transversal skill such as Creativity, Empathy, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Exploratory Thinking or Digital Literacy.
The winning team will receive personalised certificates, a feature on the Young Smart Cities website and visibility through the project’s European communication channels.
Deadline: 30 November 2026
Find out more and play the Knowledge Pills Game:
youngsmartcities.com/engage/knowledge-pills-game/
Young Smart Cities: From Knowledge to Action
The Young Smart Cities platform is now complete and ready to be explored by schools, teachers, and students. Through Knowledge Pills and Learning Situations, learners discover key topics such as Smart Cities, Sustainable Energy, Citizen Participation, Smart Mobility, Safety in Cities, and Waste Management, while developing practical solutions for real urban challenges. The YSC learning pathway supports young people in becoming active citizens and contributors to more sustainable and inclusive cities.
Learn more:
Project Website
Platform
New Learning Game: Explore Knowledge Pills with Young Smart Cities
We are excited to introduce a new interactive game developed within the Young Smart Cities project.
This activity helps students learn about key topics such as Smart City, Citizen Participation, Safety in Cities, and Waste Management. These “Knowledge Pills” are connected to important skills: Empathy, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Exploratory Thinking, Collaboration, and Digital Literacy.
Participants can choose the Knowledge Pill they want to explore. They begin with a short pre-quiz to check their current understanding. Then, they can watch a video or read the content to learn more about both the topic and the related skill.
At the end, students complete a final task where they apply what they have learned. They are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute with innovative solutions to real urban challenges.
The game can be used both in the classroom and as a homework activity. The answers received from the final task will be used to create articles for our blog, highlighting students’ contributions to the project.
This game offers a simple and engaging way to build knowledge while developing essential skills for the future.
Second TPM!
On March 10th and 11th, we met with extraordinary partners—welcoming our new friends from Poland ?—to discuss progress, next steps, and to visit the fascinating 16th-century Santa Maria Degli Angeli school.
With YSC: Young Smart Cities, we’re equipping young people (ages 12–16) with the knowledge and skills to build zero-impact Smart Cities across Europe!
Ready for the next step. We’re preparing the pilot phase of the training course for September 2025. Join us!
Stay updated and be part of the change!
Newsletter – Pilot phase
What will our cities look like in 10, 20, or 30 years? And more importantly — who will shape them?
That’s the question at the heart of Young Smart Cities, an Erasmus+ project (2024–2026) led by the University of Siegen (Germany) and now entering its pilot phase. And guess what? Your school can be part of it!
Who is it for?
Schools across Europe — especially students aged 12 to 16 who want to explore real-world urban challenges and imagine a more sustainable, livable future.
How does it work?
The pilot will run from November 2025 to March 2026, with about 2 hours per week for 4 weeks. Schools can choose topics like: Smart mobility , Energy transition ⚡, Greener cities
Students work with digital materials using a Problem-Based Learning approach, connecting real city issues to everyday life and future skills.
What do schools receive?
Ready-to-use teaching packs (“Knowledge Pills”, lesson plans, activities)
Access to the YSC platform
Online resources & training for teachers Step-by-step support and flexibility
A chance to share and connect across Europe
And don’t worry — no previous experience in Smart Cities or PBL needed! Everything is designed to be clear, fun, and flexible.
Join the pilot phase before 31st October 2025!
Apply here
Learn more:
Project Website
Platform
If you have any questions, please contact e.lukashevich@erasmuslearningacademy.eu.
First TPM
On March 11th and 12th, 2024, we participated in the 1st TPM of the KA2 project “Young Smart Cities,” hosted by our Italian school partner, “International School of Bologna.”
We reviewed the prototype of the Digital Learning Platform we’ve created to teach students aged 12-16 about Young Smart Cities. We explored the various curricula in each country and discussed the next steps to apply our project in different schools. We were grateful to participate and discover how we can design our training to help teachers develop this project!
What are the next steps? Develop the project and promote actions for more sustainable cities!
Platform Now Live!
In March, partners from all over Europe gathered in beautiful Florence for a two-day meeting. It was a moment to share progress, finalize new learning materials, and plan for the next steps. One exciting development is the launch of a student blog – a space where young voices can share their ideas, projects, and experiences.
The YSC online portal is now active and full of exciting content:
lesson plans, training videos, forums, contests, and even “Knowledge Pills” – short guides created by students on real challenges like mobility, green areas, and energy use. The goal To make learning practical, fun, and deeply connected to everyday life.
Launch of the New Newsletter!
We are excited to introduce the Young Smart Cities (YSC) project and its newsletter! YSC is dedicated to empowering young people (ages 12-16) to actively engage in the development of smart and sustainable cities for the future. Over the next three years, this project will provide students and teachers with engaging lesson plans, training modules, forums, and competitions, promoting a hands-on approach to tackling urban challenges through multidisciplinary solutions. Through the YSC newsletter, we will keep you updated on our progress and offer insights on collaborative educational tools that prepare young people for meaningful roles in building climate-conscious smart cities across Europe.
Open Web Conference
Who takes care of the project
Who in our team has worked and continues to work towards finalizing the project
Elena Lukashevich
Contatta Elena per saperne di più sul progetto e sulle iniziative a cui puoi prendere parte sul territorio locale
The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.