We are happy to inform you that the ESCAP(E+) project, which full title is: “Educate Youth in Security through Cyber Awareness Programme and Engagement” (KA220-YOU-D85DC8B8) has already started! It will last for 2 years and it expected to be completed by the end of November 2027.
Consortium
6 organisations from 6 different countries form its partnership. More concrete; these are:
- EducPro from Spain (Coordinator),
- Scout Society from Romania,
- Istanbul University – Cerrahpasa from Türkiye,
- EducAI from Portugal,
- EuroReach from Estonia and
- Suatas Project Academy from Lithuania.
Motivation
The ESCAP(E+) project is motivated by the urgent need to enhance cybersecurity awareness and digital resilience among young people and youth workers. In an increasingly digital world, where 96% of EU youth use the internet daily (Eurostat, 2022) and over two-thirds engage in online risk-taking or cybercrime (University of East London), young people are exposed to a wide range of cybersecurity threats. These include online fraud, phishing attacks, identity theft, misinformation and social media exploitation. Despite these risks, there is a lack of engaging, accessible and youth-friendly cybersecurity education.
Objectives
- To enhance cybersecurity awareness and resilience among youth and youth workers by developing interactive digital tools, including a VR Escape Game App, infographics and animated videos.
- To equip youth workers with cybersecurity education skills, engage youth in digital safety practices and promote gamified learning methods to increase digital literacy and reduce cyber risks across Europe.
Innovation
ESCAP(E+) is an innovative project idea, because it introduces a groundbreaking approach to cybersecurity education by combining gamification, virtual reality and non-formal education methods. Unlike traditional cybersecurity training, which is often technical and unengaging, ESCAP(E+) makes learning interactive, experiential and accessible to youth.
Target groups
ESCAP(E+) focuses on young people and youth workers, ensuring they gain the knowledge, skills and tools needed to navigate digital environments safely.
Primary target groups:
- Young people (aged 15-30).
- Youth who frequently engage in social media and online platforms and are at risk of cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, scams and misinformation.
- Participants from diverse backgrounds, including those with fewer opportunities (e.g., rural areas, migrants, economically disadvantaged youth).
- Young people interested in digital literacy, cybersecurity and online safety who can act as peer educators within their communities.
- Youth workers, trainers and educators.
- Youth workers who lack structured training and tools to teach cybersecurity in non-formal education settings.
- Trainers and educators working in youth centers, NGOs and community organisations who will integrate cybersecurity awareness into their programmes.
Secondary target groups:
- Youth organisations and NGOs.
- Organisations working with youth who will benefit from project resources, digital tools and best practices.
- Parents, teachers and community leaders.
- Individuals who support young people in their digital lives and can help reinforce safe online behaviours.
- Policymakers and digital education stakeholders.
- Institutions focused on youth digital literacy and cybersecurity policy development who can support the mainstreaming of project outcomes.
ESCAP(E+) ensures that cybersecurity education is inclusive, accessible and tailored to the specific needs of young people and youth workers, helping them build digital resilience and responsible online habits.
What’s coming next?
Partners are getting ready to meet each other face-to-face for the first time in Leon, in Spain next week, where the Kick-off meeting will take place on the 29th of January 2026. It will be hosted by the coordinator EducPro.
The project’s website is currently designed and it will be launched soon.