EU Youth
Design Jam
Do you want to know more about the EU YOUTH Design Jam?
Do you have any questions?
EU Youth
Design Jam
Do you sometimes wonder what it means when you click agree before using an app? Do you want to help technology companies improve how they explain their terms and conditions or how they use your information?
The EU Youth Design Jam is your chance to do this. We’re inviting you to build a team, find a coach, and win a trip with others your age from around Europe to Brussels, Belgium on April 26 - 28.
There you will work with your team, Meta (the tech company behind apps you may know, like Instagram and WhatsApp) and your representatives in the European Parliament and have your say.
Deadline to submit your application
March 10, 2023
One winner per country will be selected
March 17, 2023
Applications are open - here's how
it works
Belgium
Czechia
Spain
Sweden
You're a student?
You are online, and you want that time to be meaningful, fun and safe! Tech companies and governments work hard to make sure this is the case. But they need your help to understand what could make your online experience even better. Put together your ideas and apply to the EU Youth Design Jam. You will travel to Brussels, solve a design challenge, meet new friends, and talk to Meta and people working for the European Union about what they love about being online, and what could be better.
Students should read this Application Handbook, focusing on resources like the FAQ or tips. We’re looking for creative and diverse teams from around Europe!
You're a
coach?
All of the teams need an adult coach to help them prepare.
Your role is so important, as you will help your team to work on their ideas and to apply to the EU Youth Design Jam. You will also accompany them to Belgium in April! In Brussels, as a coach you will stay with your school winning team as they meet and work with teams from other countries and go to the European Parliament and Commission.
Coaches should read this Application Handbook, focusing on resources like the FAQ or tips. Coaches should encourage students to think big and creatively, ask questions, and make mistakes!
EU Youth Design Jam in Brussels
During the Design Jam you will fly to Brussels to work together with the teams from other countries on a live design challenge (secret for now!) to develop innovative solutions to challenges that tech companies face in making their products safe and accessible for young people.
You will also have the opportunity to meet your national representatives in Brussels and share your ideas with them, as well as visiting the European Parliament and other attractions in Brussels.
All your flights, accommodation and food will be covered!
FAQ
- THE TEAMS
Who can take part? Anyone aged 16-18 from your school - you group doesn’t need to be from one class, you can do it with friends from different classes.
Which countries are participating? Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden
Who can be a coach for my team? Your coach should preferably be a teacher at your school, but a parent can also fill this role if you can’t find a teacher to help and travel with you.
- KEY DATES
What is the deadline for submitting my proposal for the online design challenge? The deadline for submissions is 10th March 2023.
When will the in-person Design Jam in Brussels take place? The in-person Design Jam in Brussels will take place between the 26th (evening) and the 28th (morning) of April, with the full-day challenge on 27 April. Selected teams will arrive on 26 April and meet the other participants, have dinner (also with ThinkYoung and Meta), and check-in to their hotel. On the 27th of April the teams will take part in the design jam, visit the European Parliament, and take part in several activities across Brussels before travelling home late on 27th or on 28th April.
When will I find out if my team is going to Brussels? After the jury has evaluated all submissions the winners from each country will be announced on 17 March 2023.
- APPLICATIONS
How much time do I need to spend on my proposal? There is no right or wrong amount of time to spend, but experience shows teams will need about 2-4 hours of collective work outside of the classroom.
What will my team do in Brussels? You will get to know the other winning teams, take part in a live design challenge (a secret for now!), and have the chance to visit the European Parliament and meet representatives from your country and tech and social media companies.
Do we have to use English in our submission? Yes, please make sure all text is in English. However, your entry will be judged on its creativity, diversity, empathy and relevance not the quality of your language, so focus on the design rather than the text!
What do I do if I don’t understand something about the challenge? Have a look at the Glossary (page 24 in the Application Handbook). You can also attend one of the Q&A sessions in February.
Who should I contact if I have other questions? Send an email to office@thinkyoung.eu and we will do our best to help!
How much will it cost to take part? It’s free! Your flights, accommodation and food will be paid for, but it’s a good idea to bring some money for waffles and souvenirs!
Who are the organisers? The EU Youth Design Jam is organised in partnership with Meta and ThinkYoung.
Contact
If you get stuck, send an email to office@thinkyoung.eu and we will get back to you as quickly as possible!
Meta is a tech company with apps that you may know, like Instagram or WhatsApp. We want young people to enjoy our platforms and to be safe. We work hard to build online spaces where young people can learn, connect, create, and have fun. Co-designing with young people is one way for Meta to understand what you want and need from your apps. We have a dedicated youth co-design initiative with TTC Labs and working with you gives Meta fresh ideas to improve our services and make sure they work for you.
ThinkYoung is a not-for-profit organisation, aiming to make the world a better place for young people by involving them in decision-making processes and providing decision-makers with high-quality research on youth conditions. ThinkYoung conducts studies and surveys, makes advocacy campaigns, writes policy proposals, and develops education programmes: up to date, ThinkYoung projects have reached over 800,000 young people. We have offices in Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong and Nairobi. Co-designing with young people is a way for ThinkYoung to involve and make you the protagonist of your safe digital experience.
Do you want to know more about the EU Youth Design Jam?
Do you have any questions?