Starting this Thursday, young people in Madrid who have left their studies and are neither working nor in training have a new pathway to resume their educational journey. The Community of Madrid has launched the 'Second Chance' grant call for applications, financial aid designed to facilitate the return to classrooms for those who did not complete their education.
The call for applications, published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid (BOCM), will remain open until July 8th. With a budget of 15 million euros, the objective is to benefit approximately 6,600 young individuals who are currently outside both the educational system and the job market.
These grants are intended for individuals registered with the National Youth Guarantee System who, at the time of application, are neither employed nor enrolled in studies. The maximum grant amount is 2,800 euros, to be distributed over ten monthly installments.
The funds can be used for various training programs aimed at improving employability and obtaining qualifications. This includes preparatory courses for obtaining the Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) certificate for those over 18, specific training for access to Vocational Training (FP), Intermediate and Higher Level FP cycles, and programs to obtain level 1 professional certificates for individuals without ESO.
The Community of Madrid has specified that the training can be provided by private centers, city councils, or non-profit organizations. To ensure the effective use of the grants, centers must demonstrate both the cost of the training and the student's attendance of at least 75% of the class hours.
Grant allocation will be based on the family unit's per capita income, prioritizing those with fewer economic resources. Applications can be submitted online through the electronic headquarters and the website of the Community of Madrid, as well as in person at the regional administration's registry offices and affiliated city councils.
Through this initiative, the regional government aims to provide thousands of young people with the opportunity to regain an interrupted educational path and improve their employment prospects by obtaining an academic or professional qualification.
