Youth Policy in Leverkusen: Education, Sustainability and Future-readiness

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a Central Pillar

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is no longer just a side topic in Leverkusen, but a structurally embedded component of the educational landscape. With a clear vision of "Thinking about tomorrow, acting today" and a comprehensive ESD strategy that includes all age groups and educational institutions, the city is promoting holistic sustainability education.

By 2026, the ESD concept has already transitioned into practice. It is coordinated by an ESD position (specialist coordinator Christina Kowalczyk) and a network of kindergartens, schools, vocational colleges, associations and the administration. Training programs, exchange formats and a self-assessment tool ensure that ESD is not only discussed, but also systematically implemented. Particularly noteworthy is the "energieLux" project, which activates 22 municipal kindergartens and schools in climate protection and supports them through checklists and training sessions.

Early childhood education plays a central role in this context. With 86 childcare facilities, 39 of which are operated by the city, ESD is taught in a playful manner – topics such as environmental awareness, social responsibility and resource conservation are in focus. In addition, a "Family ESD Passport" is being developed to make sustainable activities outside institutional structures visible.

Youth Participation and Future Development: Youth as Shapers of the City

Youth participation in Leverkusen has increased significantly in recent years. With projects such as "Leverkusen 2040+" and the "WIRkstatt Zukunft" workshop, young people are actively involved in the city's vision for the year 2030. The youth workshops provide space for future scenarios, developed by the young people themselves and implemented in projects.

Another milestone is the establishment of a Youth City Council, whose decisions influence municipal politics. For example, the April 2026 meetings discussed proposals for the creation of learning spaces, the digitization of youth offers and anti-bullying prevention. Young people are not only calling for more leisure activities, but also for inclusive spaces for neurodivergent youth and affordable learning spaces such as cafes with "quiet hours".

The city has also committed to becoming a "family-friendly community" – another step towards family-friendliness and health prevention. Overall, it becomes clear that youth participation in Leverkusen is no longer limited to symbolic formats, but is taken seriously and has an impact on political decisions.

Digitization, Culture and STEM Education: Future-readiness through Innovation

Digitization of youth education is another central topic. The project supports students in grades 7–9 in topics such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics and sustainability. In cooperation with the TH Köln and other educational institutions, practical knowledge is imparted here that will be crucial for the future.

Cultural education is also being driven by innovation in Leverkusen. The overall concept of Cultural Education 2024 not only promotes cultural participation, but also the inclusion of young people in cultural projects. With taster workshops, artistic exchange formats and the Sprungbrettfestival, culture is used as a learning space. Particularly noteworthy is the project "Im Garten des Freiherrn – Children Explore the 19th Century", which conveys historical topics in a playful and interactive way.

STEM education is another focus area. With the zdi network cLEVer and the MINTmachTag, technical and scientific education is being strengthened. The number of participants in STEM courses has increased from 300 to 650 – a clear upward trend that is also financially supported by the city.

Conclusion: Leverkusen as a Model for Sustainable Youth Policy

In youth policy, Leverkusen has undergone a clear development in recent years towards sustainable education, active participation and innovative educational offerings. With a strong ESD concept, a wide range of youth workshops and an increasing inclusion of young people in political processes, the city is setting an example for other municipalities. The cooperation with educational institutions, companies, cultural institutions and associations shows that sustainability is not only a political task, but a joint undertaking.

In the coming years, it will be crucial to implement the results of youth participation into concrete actions. The city of Leverkusen has already created a strong foundation with the ESD network and the "WIRkstatt Zukunft" workshop – now it is time to further develop these and give young people the space to shape the future.