DEMOCRACY EDUCATION AT VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
ImpACT – MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
ImpACT inspires young people at vocational schools across Baden-Württemberg to take an active role in shaping their communities – and shows how democratic cooperation can truly work. Through interactive workshops and a self-directed civic engagement project, students take responsibility and experience what it means to have agency and impact.
The project fosters democratic competencies and strengthens young people’s confidence in their ability to participate meaningfully in society.
Für die Vermittlung von Demokratiekompetenz setzen wir da an, wo sich junge Menschen unterschiedlicher kultureller und sozialer Herkunft begegnen – in der Schule. Um Zeit und Raum für die Stärkung von Demokratiefähigkeit zu geben, verankern wir das worldlab flexibel über ein Schuljahr hinweg. In diesem Projekt gestalten die Schüler*innen ihren (schulischen) Lebensraum und erfahren so die Wirksamkeit ihres eigenen Handelns.
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC COMPETENCIES
Studies show that vocational school students often face social disadvantage, discrimination, or exclusion. These experiences can have a lasting impact on their trust in democratic institutions.
Students at vocational schools:
- Feel less politically empowered,
- Perceive democratic processes as distant and abstract,
- Often feel unheard or overlooked.
ImpACT tackles these challenges head-on.
Students design and implement a civic engagement project based on what genuinely interests and motivates them. In doing so, they realize that their actions matter and that collective efforts can lead to real change. This strengthens their belief in their own abilities and in democracy – and inspires them to take part.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND IMPACT
These key competencies prepare your students to thrive in a vibrant democracy – and turn your school into a place where participation is truly lived.
Agency means believing in your own ability to make a difference.
At ImpACT, students experience firsthand that their engagement matters. They see that their ideas and actions can lead to real change – in their school, their neighborhood, or their everyday lives. This positive experience builds confidence and motivates them to stay engaged in the future.
Democracy thrives on participation.
ImpACT strengthens both the skills and the motivation to get involved – in discussions, in project work, and in everyday civic life. Students learn that their voices are heard and that, together with others, they can make an impact. This empowers them to help shape their communities.
Democracy needs people who act responsibly and think critically.
By working on their own projects, students learn to reflect on the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility – for themselves and others. They explore their values, attitudes, and scope for action, and develop an awareness of social interconnections and the importance of civic engagement.
Democracy means embracing different perspectives and finding solutions together.
ImpACT builds students’ ability to engage in constructive debate, communicate respectfully, and work in teams. They learn to respect opinions, resolve conflicts fairly, and find compromises – essential skills for living and working together in a democratic society.
The Benefits of ImpACT
STRUCTURE AND FORMAT
The program includes two full-day workshops and a civic engagement project that students plan and implement together.
Qualified ImpACT facilitators support the planning process during the workshops, and the project is carried out with the guidance of teachers and school social workers.
Preparation Phase
Students analyze their surroundings: What changes would they like to see, and how can they take action?
Workshop 1
From Project Idea to Action Plan
Students develop a project idea based on the challenges identified in their environment. In a respectful and inclusive setting, they define the values and rules that matter to them when working together.
Environmental analysis and project development
Values exploration and team agreements
Creation of an action plan
Project Phase
Students put their idea into action through a civic engagement project – supported by teachers and/or school social workers.
Workshop 2
Reflection and Sustainability
Students reflect on their progress, assess how well they upheld their agreed values, and explore how to embed key aspects of the project into everyday school life.
Reflection on project progress and teamwork
Adapting roles and responsibilities
Connecting the project to democratic principles and its wider impact
Closing Phase
Students receive a certificate of participation and a reward in recognition of their commitment.
Who can participate in ImpACT?
ImpACT is open to:
- Vocational schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Individual classes or combinations of classes, school types, extracurricular groups, etc.
- Classes in AVdual, VAB(O), or similar programs
- Students with at least A2-level German proficiency
Groups of 15–55 students may participate.
FAQs
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
IMPLEMENTING ImpACT IN SCHOOLS
Nothing. Thanks to our funding partners, ImpACT is offered free of charge to vocational schools in Baden-Württemberg.
Implementation is well-structured and professionally supported. The school is responsible for:
- One consultation meeting with the ImpACT project team
- Scheduling with the ImpACT facilitators
- Two full-day workshops (each around 5 hours)
- One lesson before Workshop 1 for an observation walk
- Project work between and after workshops (continued during class time). Students present their progress in Workshop 2.
- Implementation of the civic engagement project (time commitment depends on the project).
- Final session in class, including certificate and award presentation
The project idea is developed collaboratively during Workshop 1, based on students’ analysis of their environment and personal interests. The group is free to choose the topic. Afterwards, the feasibility and potential impact of the idea are assessed.
The goal is to spark positive change in students’ school life, social environment, or everyday world. Possible themes include social impact, ecology/environment, art, justice, and democratic participation.