The School Participatory Budget in Krakow empowers students to make real decisions about their school environment through a structured, democratic process.
EMBEDDING DEMOCRACY IN SCHOOLS
Launched in 2020 by the City of Krakow, the School Participatory Budget (SPB)enables students to propose, develop, and vote on projects using real funds provided by the municipality. The project fosters youth participation, strengthens civic education, and builds a sense of ownership and responsibility within the school community. Students take part in workshops, submit ideas (individually or in groups), and campaign for and vote on the projects they find most meaningful. Winning proposals have included student lounges, murals, sensory rooms, and outdoor upgrades—demonstrating a strong connection to students’ daily needs. The entire process is coordinated locally through dedicated SPB Teams involving students, teachers, school staff, and often parents.
STRUCTURED, FLEXIBLE, AND SCALABLE
Each school adapts the process to its context while maintaining a core democratic structure, supported by ready-to-use materials, templates, and expert guidance from civic participation professionals. SPB incorporates both online and offline tools for submission and voting, increasing accessibility and inclusion. The initiative stands out in Poland for being municipally led from the outset, rather than initiated by an NGO. Through active participation, peer collaboration, and experiential learning, students engage with democratic principles in practice, not just in theory.
GROWING IMPACT AND MUNICIPAL COMMITMENT
Since its pilot with just three schools, the project has expanded to 60 schools in 2024/25, covering a wide range of secondary education institutions including technical, vocational, and special education. This rapid growth reflects the Municipality of Krakow’s strong commitment to civic engagement and the enthusiasm of young participants. By embedding democratic practices and civic education directly into school life, the School Participatory Budget fosters a culture of active citizenship, laying the groundwork for long-term democratic participation from an early age.
