EARS Pilots

In collaboration with 87 schools from all over Greece, Open UP has launched pilot activities within the framework of the three EARS pillars—Learn the Future, Labour Market, and Family Involvement—to guide students and families, raise awareness about motivation and engagement, and support the development of soft skills with a student-centred approach.
These activities played a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and the job market, equipping students aged 11 to 20 with practical knowledge and hands-on experiences to prepare them for future careers. At the same time, parents and the broader community were informed about the consequences of school dropout, including legal implications, while also receiving guidance on handling critical issues and relationships with young people. Students, on the other hand, explored their true motivations, soft skills, and career aspirations, gaining insights into the evolving job market and the key competencies required for future professions. By fostering greater student engagement, strengthening STEM and digital literacy skills, and enhancing career orientation, the initiative has made a significant impact on reducing early school leaving and promoting scientific and technological innovation.
Target Group = Middle school students in 5th and 6th grade, High school students in A, B and C grade, Lykeio (Senior High school) students in A, B and C grade

Main stakeholders = Public Schools (Primary Education) of Katerini, Ierapetra Crete, Kastoria, Athens, Kato Nevrokopi, Valaora, Kozani, Komotini, Elefsina, Evosmos, Patra, Thessaloniki, Chalkida, Ptolemaida, Larissa, Siatista, Nea Kidonia, Kounoupidiana, Nea Smyrni etc.

• Public High Schools (Secondary Education) of Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Larissa,  Chios, Leros, Mytilene, Tilos, Kalamata, Drama, Orestiada, Alistrati, Acharnes, Pefka, Pyrgos, Kallithea, Krya Vrysi,  Palaiokomi, Proti, Grevena, Ampelokipoi, Gonnoi, Fourna, Mikra, Granitsa, West Fragkista, Piraeus, Mantoudi, Tripoli, Megalopolis, Alexandroupoli, Ptolemaida, Aliartos, Agrinio, Kastoria, Markopoulo, Kallithea etc.

• Open Up: Provided teachers training, consulting, coordination, and expertise in educational project delivery

• Parents and Families: Actively participated in family engagement activities and school events.

• Local Authorities: supported some of the activities​​.

• Experts, Professionals, NGOs: Participated in career-related activities, demonstrating first aid skills and sharing career insights​

• Teachers and Educational Staff: Facilitated student learning and coordinated activities like quizzes, thematic fairs, and digital projects​​​.

Activities tested = Creating a Simple Video Game with Scratch,  School Digital Newspaper, 21st century skills, Role Playing Activity,  Digital Skills Kahoot Challenge,  STEM Challenge,  Mathematics in everyday life, Furure skills and ourdoor Treasure Hund, Career Exploration Fair,  Creating an interactive poster with Makey Makey,  Tiny Escape,  Science Exploration Day, Invitation to Lunch, Encourage Family participation, Community Awareness Event, Career Chat with Experts, Explore professions, Career Exploration Fair, Familiarity with Labour Market, Future skills and salaries, Personal Impact Analysis in EU Employment Changes Between 2005 and 2020.

Results achieved = Student Engagement: Participation in interactive activities like Scratch programming, STEM projects, Kahoot quizzes, improving academic and social outcomes.
• Skill Development: Strengthened critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy, preparing students for modern challenges.
• Family Involvement: Enhanced collaboration between families and schools, fostering a supportive learning environment and raising awareness of students’ needs.
• Career Awareness: Broadened knowledge of career opportunities, labor market trends, and skills required for future professions, empowering informed decisions.
• Environmental Responsibility: Raised awareness of climate change and sustainability, inspiring responsible actions for a better future.
• Digital Literacy: Improved understanding of programming, robotics, and real-world applications through hands-on tools like Scratch and Makey Makey.
• Community Building: Strengthened teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of community among students, fostering inclusivity and mutual support.

Impact=Reduced Early School Leaving: Created an engaging environment to address challenges leading to disengagement and dropout rates.
• Strengthened Family-School Collaboration: Fostered cooperation between students, families, and schools, building a supportive and community-focused educational approach.
• Empowered Students: Equipped students with digital, problem-solving, and self-assessment skills, preparing them for emerging professions and adaptability in the job market.
• Informed Decision-Making: Guided students toward thoughtful educational and career choices through insights into labor market trends and personal aspirations.
• Hands-On Learning: Promoted innovation and critical thinking through interactive projects like Scratch programming, Makey Makey design, and STEM activities.
• Career and Global Awareness: Inspired students to consider global challenges and career opportunities, fostering a sense of responsibility and ambition.
• Community Collaboration and Sustainability: Strengthened ties with families, NGOs, and local authorities, establishing a replicable model for long-term educational impact.