Oulu's cultural workshop application for university students to support work and study readiness
Funders
Project information
Project duration
-
Funded by
European Structural Funds - European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Funding amount
373 988 EUR
Project coordinator
Sosped Foundation
Unit and faculty
Contact information
Contact person
Project description
The main objective of this project is to strengthen the inclusion and well-being of university students and to support their engagement in studies and employment by developing a work-oriented, higher education-specific Culture House application within the universities in Oulu region. The primary target group consists of students who face social, psychological, or financial challenges or other factors that increase the risk of dropping out or social exclusion. Special attention is given to students with partial or reduced work capacity to ensure they can continue their studies without interruption and learn to recognize and leverage their strengths, thereby improving their employment opportunities. The goal for students is to return to their studies or transition to employment, with the Culture House serving as a safety net. Collaboration with local employers and additional support during their internships helps students receive sufficient feedback to enhance their job readiness skills.
The project operates in Oulu region.
The project involves Sosped Foundation (project supervisor), Oulu University of Applied Sciences and the University of Oulu.
Project actions
1. Establishment and organization of operations for a higher education-specific Culture House application
A low-threshold Culture House will be established in Oulu for higher education students, offering support and guidance as well as communal, participatory, and activity-based themed groups to strengthen students' mental well-being, work ability, and functional capacity. Sosped Foundation is responsible for this work package.
2. Development of supported volunteer and peer activities that enhance employability
A model for supported volunteer and peer activities will be developed for the Culture House to promote students' work ability, functional capacity, inclusion, and readiness to transition from education to working life. The activities will utilize social pedagogical and psychosocial methods and offer opportunities to develop skills needed in working life. Sosped Foundation is responsible for this work package.
3. Establishment of a multi-actor collaboration network and formation of a steering committee
A multi-actor network will be formed from stakeholders supporting students. Its goal is to promote collaboration to support students’ mental well-being and employment, as well as to ensure a seamless service path where students receive timely and appropriate services according to their needs. Sosped Foundation is responsible for this work package.
4. Development of students' study and working life skills
Training programs aimed at strengthening students' study and employment readiness will be co-developed and implemented in collaboration with various structures within higher education institutions. The training programs are targeted at higher education students in the region, with particular attention given to those with learning difficulties, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or challenges related to mental health or substance use. Oulu University of Applied Sciences is responsible for this work package.
5. Embedding of the Culture House application and planning of continued funding
The project will develop a sustainability plan for integrating the Culture House into the higher education environment in Oulu as part of a multi-actor network. The plan will also explore scaling the model and its supported volunteer and peer activities to other higher education institutions. Sosped Foundation is responsible for this work package.
6. Promoting students' mental health and project evaluation
Mental health promotion activities, materials, and tools for students will be co-developed with the project’s target group to strengthen their study and work ability within the activities of the Culture House. The evaluation of the project's various measures, as well as internal project evaluation and related actions, will be the responsibility of the University of Oulu.