The EYCAdemy Youth Research Program is a qualitative research program combined with the “Train the Trainers” strategy to educate highly professional experts in qualitative methods in as many European countries as possible (38 EURO <26 members) and create a sustainable network.

The training program lasts three years and consists of three levels that are interconnected and provide space for practicing qualitative methods, the basis of social research and coaching skills. EURO <26 as an association creates a new coaching system, EYCAdemy, which provides youth research for EURO <26 members (by 2008, 17 countries took part) and invites all EURO 26 members to develop qualitative skills in their organizations.

The goal of this project is to train the EURO 26 organizations themselves to impose themselves as an indispensable partner to all organizations, institutions, and companies in listening, creating and meeting youth needs.

Beginning in 2003, the first research experience was collected within the Youth Builds Europe project. In response to the strong interest of the EURO <26 member states that did not take part in the project at that time, there was a need for an even better framework in order to guarantee the high standards of the results themselves.

This led to the concept of EYCAdemy, with the expansion of the number of trained young people. After the first two years of the project (2005 and 2006), a significant number of young researchers was available (in 17 countries) to conduct research and deliver national reports, as well as a comparative international report on the topic itself. Only when using uniform strategies for moderation and reporting in different groups, but also in countries , the results can be valid for international comparison.

This is essential to the success of the EYCAdemy project. Annual research reports on issues concerning youth are published by EURO <26 members that are part of the project, but also in all EURO <26 members. Similarities and differences at the local and national level are becoming noticeable in the international report.