VU SA projects on priority themes: social dimension and better preparation for the labour market

After the announcement of funding for student priority topic projects organised by the Lithuanian State Fund for Studies, Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR) is submitting two projects. The projects focus on the priority topics "The Social Dimension of Higher Education through the Eyes of Students" and "Higher Education Studies and Work".

Project "Higher education for everyone – with no limits"

This project focuses on the topic "The Social-Dimension of Higher Education through the Eyes of Students". The project would aim to further contribute to strengthening the social dimension of higher education in Lithuania by promoting the participation of under-represented groups in higher education and by developing sustainable solutions for equal opportunities.

Although the priorities for the social dimension and the implementation plan for 2023–2025 were adopted in Lithuania several years ago, there are still obstacles to the inclusion of different social groups in the system. In particular, the participation of under-represented groups in higher education and the accessibility of the study process are major challenges. The low number of entrants in the second competitive round starting in 2024 (only 283 out of 1264 publicly funded places, 41% of whom had practical experience) shows the need for deeper analysis and attention.

The project will implement the following objectives and activities:

• Analyse and present recommendations on measures to solve social-dimension issues. A study will be carried out on the second accession queue and on the effectiveness, accessibility and impact on social inclusion of existing social dimension measures in Lithuania. A comparative analysis with previous VU SR studies will be carried out. Based on the results of the study, recommendations will be made for the development of equal opportunities measures in higher education. An open discussion will also be organised with stakeholders (institutional representatives, politicians, NGOs, students) to discuss these issues.

• Establish a network of ambassadors to promote social inclusion initiatives and support students. A network of 35 student ambassadors will be created. Ambassadors will be provided with memos on the social dimension and state support and training. Ambassadors will visit regional schools with low enrolment rates and conduct sessions for students on higher education opportunities. A meeting will also be organised with regional school students at Vilnius University to introduce them to the university environment and study opportunities.

• Increase student involvement in social dimension initiatives. A webpage will be created with information on the social dimension, accessibility and support measures, also adapted for students with disabilities (WCAG compliant). An advocacy campaign will be implemented in the media and social networks to raise awareness of social-dimension issues. Podcast episodes on accessibility in higher education will also be produced.

We hope that the project will contribute to raising the profile of the social dimension of the topic, encourage the enrolment of under-represented groups in higher education, and help to create favourable conditions for their inclusion.

Project "Working outside the classroom – the key to study success?"

This project focuses on the topic "Higher Education Studies and Work". The aim of the project is to contribute to improving the employability of students and strengthening their academic potential through closer cooperation with social partners, higher education institutions and the student community.

Many students work from the very first day of their studies, often on a part-time basis, in order to generate financial income. While work experience is an important part of career development, it can limit their ability to fully engage in academic activities. There is a gap between university studies and the needs of the labour market, which makes it difficult for graduates to find employment without sufficient quality practical experience. Another problem is the low involvement of students in research and the choice of research path (only about 4% of postgraduates choose a PhD), which may be due to a lack of encouragement, guidance or mentoring.

The project will implement the following main activities:

• To explore the employability of students after the traineeship and their preferences between skilled and unskilled jobs. A quantitative study will be carried out by interviewing at least 1500 VU students about their work experience, the quality of their internship and their skills gaps. Qualitative workshops will also be organised (in Vilnius, Kaunas and Šiauliai) to explore the challenges of reconciling study and work. The data collected will be systematised and analysed in order to draw conclusions and make recommendations to improve the quality of internships and students' preparation for the labour market.

• Increase the employability of students in skilled jobs and the sharing of relevant information. A contact fair will be organised in Vilnius and Kaunas with at least 40 employers and 250 students. Seminar sessions (one online for VU Šiauliai Academy students) with social partners and experts will be held to discuss labour market developments, employment opportunities and challenges. Thematic workshops will be organised to develop practical skills (CV preparation, interviews, time planning). In cooperation with the VU Career Centre, at least 6 monthly newsletters will be sent out on labour market trends, and relevant information on study/work compatibility, internship/job opportunities, rights and burnout will be shared on social networks.

• Encourage students to make a purposeful choice of research path. An information campaign will be implemented on the importance of students' research initiatives and academic career opportunities. The student research activities brochure will be updated to include information on international projects. Local and international research mentors will be identified and meetings between students and mentors will be organised.

We hope that this project will contribute to a deeper analysis of the situation and problems of working students, and to the development of the necessary changes to ensure quality studies and access to the necessary skills for professional activities. We also hope that the project will contribute to the promotion of academic careers through the creation of a long-term mentoring platform.

With these two projects, which will run until 1 December 2025, VU SR aims to address the challenges students face, both in terms of access and inclusion in higher education (the social-dimension), as well as in terms of a successful transition to the labour market and the exploration of academic career opportunities. Students will be actively involved in the implementation of all activities, thus developing their own competences and contributing to positive change.

The projects would be funded by the Lithuanian State Fund for Studies.

Vilnius university Students’ representation (VU SR) – is the oldest and largest non-profit and expert-organization in higher education in Lithuania representing the interests of students in Vilnius university and beyond, nurturing university culture and students’ self-expression.