CCLab project launches free MOOC on youth, democracy and technology

The Critical Change Lab (CCLab) project announces the launch of a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Youth, Democracy and Technology: Participatory Approaches for Critical Consciousness, available on DigiCampus from 3 September 2025.

At a time when only 38% of young Europeans believe voting is the most effective way to have their voice heard, and nearly half report engaging in petitions or social movements, the new MOOC provides participants with tools to strengthen youth participation and reimagine democracy in the digital age.

The course explores how young people can actively shape democracy in their everyday lives, both online and offline, and provides educators, youth workers, activists, and students with practical methods to nurture critical literacy and critical consciousness. Drawing on the educational philosophies of Paulo Freire, bell hooks, and Henry Giroux, the MOOC highlights participatory approaches that empower youth to creatively address democratic challenges.

Course highlights:

• Seven modules covering youth engagement, digital rights, eco-social justice, participatory technology, and art as a catalyst for change.
• Case studies of Critical Change Lab, an innovative participatory method for empowering young people to understand and influence democracy.
• Interactive resources and practical activities for formal and non-formal educators, activists, and students.
• Free access or, if registered as student: certification (2 ECTS credits available).

Ségolène Pruvot, Director of European Alternatives and coordinator of the CCLab MOOC, said:

“Young people across Europe are already rethinking democracy through their activism, art, and digital engagement. This course is designed to recognise that creativity and give educators and youth workers the tools to understand and support it. At a time when democratic participation cannot be taken for granted, it is crucial to provide accessible resources that help younger generations imagine and co-create more just futures.”

The course will be available in English, is open to all without prerequisites, and can be completed flexibly online.

About Critical Change Lab (CCLab)

CCLab is a European initiative co-funded by the Horizon Europe programme, by University of Oulu (Coordinator) – Finland, Trinity College Dublin – Ireland, University of Barcelona – Spain, stichting Waag Society WAAG – Netherlands, Ars Electronica Linz GmbH & Co – Austria, Kersnikova Institute – Slovenia, LATRA Innovation Lab – Greece, Tactical Tech – Germany, Alternatives Européennes – France, and Institute of Social Research in Zagreb – Croatia. The project brings together universities, civil society organisations, and cultural actors across Europe to design inclusive spaces where young people can develop critical literacy, experiment with democratic participation, and co-create more just futures.

For more information, please visit:

• Course link (active from 3 September 2025)
• CCLab project: https://euroalter.com/projects/critical-change-labs/

Press Contact

Marta Cillero Manzano, m.cillero@euroalter.com +39 328 329 2175