We are pleased to announce the publication of our article, "Designing AI training paths for youth workers: Evidence from a European pilot initiative" in the Journal of Non-Formal and Digital Education, revealing key insights derived from our projects.

Written by Miriam Lanzetta and Gianluca Abbruzzese from Lascò, our lead partner, the study directly explores the pilot training initiative developed within our project, involving 112 participants from different European countries with diverse professional backgrounds. The research analyzes how AI training courses can support the development of youth workers' skills in a critical, ethical, and relevant way for their profession.

Among the main findings of the study are some key principles for designing training courses for youth work professionals:

• Modular and flexible structure: AI training was found to be most effective when organized into stand-alone modules, allowing for personalized and non-linear learning. This allows participants to adapt the course to their starting level and available time.

• Practical relevance: learning was perceived as more useful when directly linked to the daily activities and roles of youth work, rather than focusing solely on the technical aspects of artificial intelligence.

• Ethical and value-based foundation: integrating reflections on ethics, inclusion, and responsibility proved to be essential. This approach made it possible to develop AI skills in line with the values of non-formal education, strengthening the credibility and legitimacy of the training.

This evidence confirms the robustness of our AI Competence Framework for Youth Workers and the catalog of digital resources that the project implemented to support professionals. It confirms a core vision of AI4YouthWork: AI in youth work is not a technical add-on, but a transformative professional competence that must be critical, ethical, and context-sensitive.