NELS
Next level skills for student leaders (NELS)
Next Level Skills for Student Leaders (NELS) is a dynamic virtual training programme designed to elevate the capabilities of student leaders across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Through fostering direct interactions and intercultural dialogue, NELS cultivates a culture of engaged citizenship, grounded in the core values of freedom, tolerance, and non-discrimination. Moreover, it hones essential skills such as critical thinking, media literacy, leadership, and effective communication.
Tailored for elected representatives and students passionate about shaping their educational environments, NELS empowers participants to become catalysts for positive change in higher education and beyond.
The programme is structured around three comprehensive modules. "Future Challenges" delves into pressing topics like megatrends, digital transformation in education, and sustainability. "Next Level Skills" focuses on refining leadership capabilities and fostering inclusive communication, also in the virtual realm. "New Ways of Student Organising" explores democratic engagement, values within higher education, and the art of effective networking.
Each semester, participants engage in 10 immersive virtual sessions conducted in small, facilitated groups. The programme also offers the opportunity to earn micro-credentials (ECTS), providing tangible recognition for their efforts.
Coming soon - September 2025 Module: Future challenges
Coming soon - September 2025 Module: Next Level skills
Coming soon - September 2025 New ways of student organising
NELS project team
Backed by a consortium of HEIs and representative student unions, NELS draws on extensive expertise in fostering student engagement and civic involvement. The project runs from 1 February 2025 to 31 January 2028.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Contact (UDE)
Dr. Nicole Auferkorte-Michaelis
Tel.: 0203/379-7006
nicole.auferkorte-michaelis@uni-due.de
Annette Hintze
Tel.: 0203/379-7030
annette.hintze@uni-due.de