Between 13–15 June 2025, our team from TEAM4Excellence Association had the pleasure of participating in the SofTIS Summer Camp 2025, held in Varna, Bulgaria. This international summer research school, dedicated to software developers and innovation leaders, brought together professionals, researchers, and educators to explore the latest trends in AI, digital education, and interdisciplinary research.

The event, organised by the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with support from corporate sponsors, featured a rich programme of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. Topics included AI-driven research, emerging technologies, and the role of academia and civil society in driving digital transformation.

During the event, Dr Nicoleta Acomi, our project manager, had the opportunity to present the progress and outcomes of our AI4YouthWork project — a strategic Erasmus+ initiative aimed at enhancing the digital competence of youth workers through Artificial Intelligence. The project supports youth professionals in:

• Understanding and integrating AI in non-formal education
• Facilitating digital and career literacy among young people
• Using AI for inclusion, personalisation, and empowerment in youth work contexts

The core of our presentation focused on the AI Competence Framework for Youth Workers, developed by our team and partners. Inspired by the European DigCompEdu model, this framework defines six key competence areas, including:

• Area 1: Professional Engagement
• Area 2: AI-Powered Resources
• Area 3: AI for Training and Learning
• Area 4: Assessment and Evaluation
• Area 5: Empowering Young People
• Area 6: Facilitating Young People’s AI Competences

We also introduced the AI4YouthWork e-learning platform, which offers open-access resources and learning modules to support professional development in this rapidly evolving field.

In an age where AI technologies are increasingly shaping education, employment, and communication, empowering youth workers with digital competences is essential for fostering inclusive and future-ready societies. Our project responds to this need by bridging the gap between digital innovation and grassroots youth work.

By presenting our results at SofTIS, we engaged with a vibrant international community and received valuable feedback to further improve our approach.

Location: Varna, Bulgaria
Date: 13.06.2025 – 15.06.2025