SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

Empowering Rural Communities. From Theory to Practice in Community Development

Jointly organized by the European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO) and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, this immersive summer school provides a rigorous and practice-oriented approach to rural community development. Designed for Students interested at all levels and qualifications, PhD students, early-career researchers, youth workers, and professionals, the program is structured around a core methodological framework that equips participants with the theories, methods, and practical tools needed to engage effectively in community-based work. The central fil rouge of the course is learning how to work within rural territories using a community-centered approach. Participants will gain hands-on training in participatory methodologies, enabling them to design, implement, and evaluate interventions tailored to local needs. The program integrates interactive workshops, expert-led thematic modules, and a field visit to a rural community in Cremona, Italy, where participants will critically observe successful initiatives and explore how theoretical concepts translate into practice. A distinguished panel of international experts will deliver thematic modules on core issues such as social inclusion, youth mobility, climate change justice, rural education, employment, and sustainability. This academic rigor is complemented by the involvement of the European Rural Youth Observatory, ensuring a high-level methodological and theoretical foundation, deeply embedded in contemporary European research and policy frameworks. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance, demonstrating their advanced understanding of community-based methodologies, preparing them to apply these approaches in rural development settings.

MORE INFORMATION – SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

WHERE- WHEN – HOW TO REGISTER:

The school will take place from June 16 to June 21, 2025, at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Cremona (Italy) – Campus Santa Monica

The program includes a total of 40 hours of interactive training, combining lectures, thematic sessions, and participatory workshops.

• Monday to Friday
• Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Afternoon sessions: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday
• Field trip: 5h to be defined

How to register:

Participants will be admitted in order of enrollment. If the minimum number is not reached, the school will be cancelled and the fee refunded.

To register, it is necessary to complete the ON LINE FORM and finalize payment at the time of registration.

Payment can be made by:

• by credit card (VISA,MASTERCARD,AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS,UNIONPAY, JCB)
• By bank transfer to the bank account indicated at the beginning of registration
• The receipt of the bank transfer is to be sent by email to formazione.permanente-pc@unicatt.it no later than 5 days after registration.
• Registration will be confirmed and the receipt issued following payment.

The fee includes:

• Course attendance and teaching material
• Coffee break
• Lunch
• Certificate of attendance

Accomodation

• Contact us by email for a complete list of partner hotels at discounted rates (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has a discount program with city centre hotels)
• Other housing options can be booked through regular booking websites and Airbnb.