Social disadvantage can be linked to different reasons: socio-economic, ethnicity, gender, disability, rural-dwelling, migrants, age-based, etc. Each of these dimensions often overlap, emphasising the intersectional nature of inequality as a multiple discriminatory factor.
The SMILE project aims to promote inclusive learning by developing, testing and implementing innovative tools that improve the way higher education institutions deal with diversity and social inclusion
SMILE will focus on three main areas of inequality and disadvantage in higher education:
Learners with migrant background
Covering the problem of lower access participation and attainment of 1st or 2nd generation immigrants in HE, the SMILE project will address the need to train university staff (both academic and non-academic) in relation to this dimension
Women leadership in HE with a focus on diversity management
Addressing the issue of unequal access to leadership positions, the SMILE project is focused on the need to train university staff (both academic and non-academic) but also on the need to address the topic with students and alumni.
Learners with low socio-economic status
Covering the problem of lower access participation and attainment of learners with a lower socio-economic status, the SMILE project addresses the need to train university staff (both academic and non-academic) in relation to this dimension.
The project intends to harvest the expertise of civil society organisations and individuals and embed their experiences in the SMILE tools.
General objectives
Developing and implementing innovative methods and practices to foster inclusive education and promote common values.
Specific objectives
Promoting inclusive education and training and fostering the education of disadvantaged learners, by supporting educational staff in addressing diversity and reinforcing diversity among education staff.
Diversity audit tool
To support universities in self-reflecting and assessing their commitment to diversity and social inclusion. The tool will be tested and continuously improved through a peer audit process that will involve a total of 20 universities.
3 CPD courses
One for each SMILE pillar, addressed to university staff, developed and tested via a bottom-up approach (involving role models, representatives of indirect beneficiaries, NGOs and community groups) with the aim to give voice to the extensive experience of professionals, volunteers, parents, in addition to current and potential learners.
Policy operational action plan
Based on the perspectives and experiences collected during the project, to serve as a guide to support universities fulfilling their commitment to diversity and social inclusion.
Research Space with resources and examples from the three pillars and giving the opportunity to learn from others.
Leaflet [PDF]
X page
Facebook page
Linkedin page
Inclusive-europe page
Smile website
Erasmus+ KA3 Social inclusion and common values
621433-EPP-1-2020-1-BE-EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN
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