Partner universities within the ACE2-EU alliance are opening the Call for applications for the Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) program – an innovative, applied and interdisciplinary course focused on local community development, future labor market trends and practical solutions to real-world problems.
The program combines online teaching, fieldwork and team projects, and candidates receive 3 ECTS credits and a certificate of participation upon successful completion.
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Structure and Timeframe
Online component (12 hours):
• Week 1: 8 – 10 April 2025
• Week 2: 13 – 17 April 2025
• Week 4: 4 – 8 May 2025
Onsite component (25 hours):
• April 20 – 24 April 2025, Santarém, Portugal.
Additionally, participants work 38 hours on independent and group assignments.
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Organization and partners
The main host is Santarém Polytechnic University (Portugal), in partnership with:
• University of Francisco de Vitoria (Spain);
• Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (Germany);
• Latvian Academy of Culture (Latvia);
• Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria).
The program also involves external stakeholders such as the European Rural Youth Observatory, the Municipality of Santarém, local service institutions and associations from the agricultural and wine sector.
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Program description
The course focuses on:
• future trends in the labor market;
• development of local economies;
• innovation, sustainability and green economy;
• solving social and economic challenges by working with real local businesses and institutions;
• international mobility and practical cooperation with professionals.
The methodology includes:
• mentoring sessions and networking;
• teamwork on real cases;
• field work with local businesses;
• pitch presentations and project proposal creation;
• a combination of lectures, interactive exercises and online activities.
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Who can apply?
The call is open to all students from the ACE2-EU alliance, regardless of their field of study.
The course is particularly useful for students interested in:
• local economic development;
• green and innovative practices;
• technological solutions for small and medium-sized local businesses;
• social entrepreneurship and job creation.
Working language: English (B1–B2 level).
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Participant responsibilities
Selected students are expected to:
• regular participation in online and onsite activities;
• completion of mandatory assignments;
• work on a group project;
• final pitch presentation;
• submission of a project proposal and an individual reflective report.
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Application
📌 Application link: https://forms.gle/c1FrG3YMzZRJnuac9
📅 Deadline: December 15, 2025
More information: https://www.ace2eu.eu/event/envisioning-the-future-of-local-communities-reshape-labour-market-opportunities/
Selected candidates will receive an official notification after the selection process is complete.
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Contact
For further information:
📧 perpetua.silva@ese.ipsantarem.pt
📧 tatiana.ferreira@ese.ipsantarem.pt
