“REGIO AKTIV” – Competence Agencies (KA)

The REGIO AKTIV – Competence Agencies program primarily targets educational institutions and independent youth welfare organizations in Saxony-Anhalt. It aims to support young people in need of assistance, aged 15 to under 25 – in exceptional cases up to under 35 – in their transition to vocational training and in developing career prospects. Projects must be implemented in a district or an independent city in Saxony-Anhalt and maintain close cooperation with regional stakeholders, such as parents and companies.

The REGIO AKTIV – Competence Agencies program supports the establishment and operation of competence agencies that offer young people intensive, holistic support during their transition into professional life. The funded measures include a wide range of support services, from individual counseling to mobility assistance. Necessary personnel and material expenses are subsidized, with flat rates applied for personnel and indirect costs.

The REGIO AKTIV – Competence Agencies program provides grants as part of a co-financing scheme. The exact funding amount depends on the eligible expenses. Projects generally have a duration of 36 months, with the possibility of extension. The funding process is designed to ensure efficient and appropriate use of funds.

Specific legal and organizational conditions apply to funding within the framework of the Competence Agencies. These include the obligation to cooperate with Regional Working Groups (RAK), compliance with EU state aid regulations, and ensuring the professional suitability of personnel. Adherence to general principles such as equality and non-discrimination is also mandatory.

The application process for competence agencies is two-stage. First, projects are selected by the respective Regional Working Group (RAK) as part of a competitive procedure. After successful selection, a formal application is submitted to the Saxony-Anhalt State Administrative Office (Landesverwaltungsamt Sachsen-Anhalt). Transparent verification and auditing procedures ensure the proper use of funding.

The REGIO AKTIV funding program, under which the competence agencies are funded, is based on a specific guideline from the state of Saxony-Anhalt. This guideline is embedded within a comprehensive framework of European and national legal provisions that regulate the use of funds from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The underlying texts define the objectives, requirements, and procedures for funding and are accessible to the public.