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Germany

4. Social Inclusion

4.4 Inclusive programmes for young people

Last update: 24 February 2025
On this page
  1. Programmes for vulnerable young people
  2. Funding
  3. Quality assurance
On this page
  1. Programmes for vulnerable young people
  2. Funding
  3. Quality assurance

Programmes for vulnerable young people

Support for youth social work (Förderung der Jugendsozialarbeit)

Youth social work (Jugendsozialarbeit) is funded at national, regional and local level as part of regular child and youth services that are provided in accordance with the Social Code Book VIII (SGB VIII). The main sources of funding are the Child and Youth Plan of the federation (Kinder- und Jugendplan des Bundes), the youth budgets of the federal states (Landesjugendpläne) and local child and youth budgets. While youth work is open to all young people as a rule, youth social work as one form of child and youth services is dedicated specifically to young people from disadvantaged social backgrounds or who have specific needs. They may have learning difficulties, come from immigrant families or have mental health problems. The aim is to support these young people in completing their education, learning a trade and entering the labour market and, more generally, to integrate in society.

There are various areas of activity:

  • work-related youth social work/vocational assistance for young people (primarily vocational guidance),

  • youth social work and school (counteracting impairments and disadvantages in the school environment),

  • youth housing (support at new places of residence),

  • target group-specific and mobile approaches in youth social work (e.g. street work),

  • migration as a specialised and cross-sectoral task (such as through the Youth Migration Services).

 
Strengthening Youth initiative (JUGEND STÄRKEN) 

The Strengthening Youth initiative (JUGEND STÄRKEN) was launched on 15 June 2009 and since then has been funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ) and the European Social Fund (ESF). It emerged from the 2003 “STÄRKEN vor Ort” initiative. 

The goals of the initiative are: 

  • “to help disadvantaged young people and migrants with their educational, professional and social integration through individualised support and tailored assistance,

  • to promote intercultural skills and an understanding of democracy, while supporting personal and skills development, 

  • to establish sustainable structures to integrate disadvantaged young people at local level; explore new forms of collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders operating at the intersections of schools, vocational training, the labour market and youth welfare services [and]

  • to intensify collaboration with the business community and entrepreneurs to facilitate the integration of young people with fewer opportunities into the labour market (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Strengthening Youth initiative, Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Initiative JUGEND STÄRKEN).”

The projects are aimed specifically at young people aged 12 to 27 who lack perspectives and for whom other services are largely out of reach, including school drop-outs, young people who have failed to complete a labour market integration course, and recently arrived young immigrants requiring special integration assistance (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Initiative JUGEND STÄRKEN). The initiative currently includes the following programmes: Youth Migration Services (Jugendmigrationsdienste) (see the following section), Respect Coaches (Respekt Coaches) (see Chapter 4.5), “Strengthening Youth: Bridges to Independence” (JUGEND STÄRKEN: Brücken in die Eigenständigkeit (see Chapter 4.6). The programmes are of varying lengths and are regularly adapted and updated. 

Youth Migration Services (Jugendmigrationsdienste) 

The Youth Migration Services are part of the Strengthening Youth initiative (JUGEND STÄRKEN). Around 500 Youth Migration Services (Jugendmigrationsdienste, JMD) across Germany advise and support young members of the immigrant community (between 12 and 27 years) who are entitled to remain in Germany permanently, including young refugees.

(For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training.)

Education Through Language and Writing (Bildung durch Sprache und Schrift – Transfer, BiSS-Transfer)

The Education Through Language and Writing initiative (Bildung durch Sprache und Schrift) was launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz, KMK) in November 2019.

BiSS-Transfer is a joint initiative of the federal and state governments designed to enhance the transfer of language education and reading and writing support in schools and kindergartens. “Linked to Education Through Language and Writing (Bildung durch Sprache und Schrift, BiSS), BiSS-Transfer aims to put into practice scientifically grounded language education concepts. Launched in 2020 as the successor to BiSS, the initiative now includes over 2,900 schools and daycare centres working together in regional networks to promote sustainable language learning (BiSS-Transfer).” BiSS-Transfer focuses on “making the teaching of specialist subjects language-sensitive, in other words addressing the specific linguistic demands of specialist subject instruction while helping students meet these requirements. Another key objective is to support the integration of newly arrived students who are learning German as a second language. Additionally, BiSS-Transfer prioritises language support for children transitioning from daycare to primary school (BiSS-Transfer).”

The project is funded by the federal states, which cover the costs of the participating schools. This includes funding federal state employees who take part in BiSS-Transfer events and actions, as well as additional counselling and supervision services provided by school authorities and state institutes for the duration of the project. The BMBF finances the consortium of providers, overall scientific coordination and scientific support (BiSS-Transfer).

Integration Through Education – ESF Plus Programme (Integration durch Bildung, IntBi)

“The new ESF Plus programme Integration Through Education (Integration durch Bildung, IntBi) launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) aims to create equality of opportunity in education for immigrants in Germany, focusing on specific target groups such as girls and women. The programme is based on transfer-oriented research conducted with and for educational practice. It seeks to sustainably eliminate access barriers and promote empowerment. The ESF Plus programme IntBi funds partnerships between researchers and practitioners to generate insights for a diversity-sensitive education system and adapt these findings to the needs of key target groups, such as women from immigrant communities (Funding Guidelines for Integration Through Education, Förderrichtlinien Integration durch Bildung).”

Launched in mid-2024, the programme will run for three years. It is financed by the European Social Fund (ESF Plus) and national public funds provided by the federal government (Funding Guidelines for Integration and Support, Förderrichtlinien Integration und Förderung).

Educational Chains Initiative (Bildungsketten)

The Educational Chains Initiative (Bildungsketten) was launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) to improve training opportunities for young people and strengthen vocational education and training programmes. It offers a range of projects and individual measures to help young people who face challenges finding or completing training.

Career Entry Guidance (Berufseinstiegsbegleitung, BerEb)

The Career Entry Guidance programme (Berufseinstiegsbegleitung, BerEb) supports young people aiming to complete basic schooling and transition into vocational training. It enables them to gain a school-leaving certificate and make informed career decisions. The programme focuses on providing support with job applications, finding internships, offering career guidance and securing vocational training placements. The support starts one to two years before students finish school and continues through their first year of training. 

“The legislator stipulates that, in addition to the Federal Employment Agency, third parties must contribute at least 50% to the funding of the Career Entry Guidance programme. Currently, the programme is available in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony and Thuringia.” Berufseinstiegsbegleitung (BerEb)

Assisted Flexible Training programme (Assistierte Ausbildung, AsA flex)

For information on the Assisted Flexible Training programme (Assistierte Ausbildung, AsA flex), go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training.)

After the Career Entry Guidance programme, a VerAplus training mentorship (VerAplus-Ausbildungsbegleitung) can be integrated into the Asa flex programme. The Educational Chains Initiative (Initiative Bildungskette) ensures continuous support from the penultimate year of training through to its completion. VerAplus is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) and implemented with the help of retired professionals from the Senior Expert Service (SES). These experts draw on years of professional and personal experience, providing guidance to both companies and young people and helping strengthen the training relationship on both sides. VerAplus is a mentoring initiative that offers individualised 1:1 support. Of the young people mentored, 73% are from immigrant communities and 75% successfully complete their training. Each year, VerAplus supports around 4,000 young people.

The programme for vocational training at institutions outside companies (Berufsausbildung in außerbetrieblichen Einrichtungen, BaE) provides socially disadvantaged young people or those with learning difficulties the opportunity to obtain a vocational qualification. Two models are available. In the integrative model, theoretical and practical components with a training provider are supplemented by in-company phases. In the second cooperative model, the practical component takes place within partner companies. BaE is specifically designed for young people who, even with the support of the Assisted Flexible Training programme, are unable to complete training within a company.

If their training allowance is insufficient, young trainees can also apply for financial support from the Federal Employment Agency. 

Coordination Agency for Training and Migration (Koordinierungsstelle Ausbildung und Migration, KAUSA)
KAUSA is the nationwide coordination agency dedicated to increasing the participation of refugees or immigrants in vocational training. 

(For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training.)

The Career Orientation for Refugees programme (Berufliche Orientierung für Personen mit Flucht- und Migrationserfahrung, BoFplus)

The BoFplus programme of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) offers courses designed to gradually prepare newly arrived immigrants for vocational training or qualification programmes. Developed as a successor to the BOF programme (2016–2023), BOFplus will run until the end of 2027. The BOFplus programme is open to refugees and immigrants who wish to start an apprenticeship, vocational training or a university degree. To be eligible for the programme, individuals must have completed compulsory schooling and have at least B1-level German language skills. There is no age restriction for enrolment. Participants have the opportunity to attend an orientation phase at a vocational training centre and get to know up to five occupations in practice rooms and under the guidance of experts. They can also receive language tuition and preparation for the theoretical components at vocational schools, in qualification courses or university. “BOFplus aims to establish and continuously expand collaboration with mainstream institutions and other network partners from the outset, in order to help migrants navigate the many challenges they face as they transition to vocational training or further education. Together, they set goals and plan activities, such as initial outreach and consultations for migrants. To reach women, the programme collaborates with representatives of counselling services and support initiatives to engage them particularly effectively. To ensure a smooth transition to additional support services after the BOFplus programme, partnerships with potential providers will be established (Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BoFplus – The new programme; Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BoFplus – Das neue Programm).”

Klischeefrei

The Cliché-Free initiative Klischeefrei, launched in 2016 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ), is committed to breaking down gender-based stereotypes in vocational orientation and career choices, and addressing their broader impacts.

(For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training)

University guarantee fund directives (Garantiefonds Hochschule)

Adopted by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMBFSJ), the University guarantee fund (Garantiefonds Hochschule) helps young ethnic German immigrants, refugees and other newly arrived individuals up to the age of 30 obtain a higher education entrance qualification and subsequent admission to the university system.

(For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training).

 

Integration and orientation courses for teenagers and young adults (Integrations- und Orientierungskurse für Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene) 

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, BAMF) offers integration and orientation courses (Integrations- und Orientierungskurse) for teenagers and young adults who have arrived in Germany without sufficient German language skills. To qualify for the courses, they must be under the age of 27 at the start of the course, no longer subject to compulsory schooling and looking to start school or vocational training. The aim of the courses is to familiarise young immigrants with the language “to such an extent as to enable them to act independently in all aspects of daily life, without the assistance or mediation of third parties (Section 43(2) Residence Act;§ 43 Abs. 2 Aufenthaltsgesetz)”. 

(For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training.)

Integration Through Sport (Integration durch Sport)

Integration Through Sport (Integration durch Sport) is a programme offered by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (Bundesministerium für Inneres und Heimat, BMI), the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, BAMF) and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund). It aims to encourage immigrants and non-immigrants to take part in organised sports. 

(For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 7: Health and Well-Being/Sport, youth fitness and physical activity.)

Culture builds strength. Alliances for education (Kultur macht stark – Bündnisse für Bildung)

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) has been supporting extracurricular programmes in cultural education since 2013 with the programme Culture builds strength – Alliances for education (Kultur macht stark – Bündnisse für Bildung). In local education alliances, committed citizens across Germany carry out projects for educationally disadvantaged children and young people. 

For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 8.4: Creativity and Culture/Promoting culture and cultural participation.

FEDERAL STATES (LÄNDER)

The federal states have their own integration programmes that also include young people as a target group. Further information can be found on the websites of the respective state governments or ministries:

Funding

All programmes listed above are financed (often co-financed) through public-sector funding from federal (federal programmes), state (state programmes) or local authority budgets. Funding is provided in accordance with specific funding directives that stipulate certain terms and conditions that each programme has to meet. In addition, statutory and budgetary provisions apply. As a result, it is not possible to establish a fixed level of funding, as the amount may vary from one financial year to the next.

Programmes that use European Social Fund money have been indicated as such.

Quality assurance

The evaluation projects vary in terms of methodology, questions, indicators, etc. used. Their outcomes vary accordingly. For programmes with available evaluations, the evaluation committees and procedures used to describe the projects are also specified.