Second call for Gloria Villalba Awards

18 Aug Second call for Gloria Villalba Awards

Just two months after the first Gloria Villalba Awards were presented, we are launching a new call for proposals for young people, teachers, youth workers, and rural development staff to collaborate to revitalize rural Aragon.

The objectives of the call continue to be to promote youth community development initiatives in rural areas, create a space for participation and social entrepreneurship in educational centers through non-formal education methodologies, and enhance leadership skills, creativity, teamwork, and social commitment among young people. This year, we will also seek to generate synergies and projects across regions.

The call is open to secondary schools in the regions of Alto Gállego, Jacetania, Monegros, Hoya de Huesca, Cinco Villas, Ribera Alta del Ebro, Campo de Borja, Ribera Baja del Ebro, Campo Daroca, Aranda, the Community of Calatayud, Bajo Aragón Caspe-Baix Aragó Casp, Campo de Belchite, Bajo Aragón, Matarraña, Cuencas Mineras, Bajo Martín, Andorra Sierra de Arcos, Jiloca, and the Community of Teruel.

Each class may submit a collective proposal (minimum 10 students) guided by a leading teacher. Projects can be of any type; the important thing is that they respond to real community needs.

Registration will open on September 8th for all high schools interested in participating. From then on, the process will be as follows:

1. Registration: until October 1, 2025.
2. Training (October-December 2025): 4-5 classroom sessions with materials designed by a team of youth specialists, including presentations and dynamics focused on teamwork, project design, communication, and evaluation.
3. Submission of proposals: before January 15, 2026.
4. Evaluation: On January 20, 2026, a committee composed of youth specialists, rural development professionals, educators, and young entrepreneurs will evaluate the projects based on innovation, participation, communication, youth involvement, and the creation of a lasting product/service.
5. Project execution: between February 1 and April 1, 2026.
6. Final event (April 2026): Youth gathering in an Aragonese municipality (to be determined), with awards ceremony, project presentation, and a space for collaboration.

The award recognizes the most outstanding projects, honoring their social innovation, positive impact, and long-term sustainability. In addition to a financial contribution of up to €500, the groups will be supported by youth specialists and Local Action Groups to ensure the success of their initiatives.

Here are the RULES for the Gloria Villalba Awards and some images of the experience of the Fernando Lázaro Carreter Secondary School, which decided to apply for the competition last year.