This spring, several students from E³UDRES² partner and associated universities organized local Mini-Hackathons as a continuation of the work initiated during previously hosted online Hackathons. These activities became the first format developed under the label “By Students, For Students,” an approach created to ensure that students are not only invited to participate in the alliance, but are also actively involved in identifying challenges and shaping possible solutions.
The Mini-Hackathons focused on a central question: how could E³UDRES² become more understandable, relevant and accessible to students? Across the online and local activities, more than 200 students participated, including students from partner institutions in Ukraine. Their contributions provided valuable insights into why some students might feel disconnected from the alliance and what could be done to make its opportunities more visible and meaningful.
student-centered communication
One of the main findings was that students struggle to see a clear connection between E³UDRES² and their academic studies. At the same time, the personal benefits of participating in alliance activities are not always communicated in a simple and convincing way. For this reason, participants emphasized the need for more student-friendly communication, supported by clear visual materials, short how-to guides, real experience stories and concrete examples of the results that students can achieve through their involvement.
The discussions also showed that student engagement could be strengthened by integrating E³UDRES² more closely into everyday academic life. Introducing the alliance during the first year of studies, connecting its opportunities with existing courses and involving teaching staff more actively could help students understand its relevance from the beginning of their university journey. Communication should therefore focus more directly on the question that matters most to students: “What’s in it for me?”
In addition, participants highlighted the importance of on-site meetings, informal networking opportunities and stronger cooperation with companies and partner institutions. These formats can make the benefits of E³UDRES² more tangible by showing how students can gain international experience, develop new skills, access internships and build connections that may support their future careers.
As the first format under the “By Students, For Students” label, the Mini-Hackathons demonstrated the value of giving students an active role in the development of the alliance. They created a space in which students could share their perspectives, work collaboratively and contribute ideas based on their own needs and experiences. In this way, the format marked an important first step towards making student participation within E³UDRES² more visible, practical and meaningful.
Links
➞ E³UDRES² Student Board
Article created by: Fulda UAS
