Goyang City Launches Full-Scale “Goyang Future Talent JUMP UP Project” to Foster Student Growth

32 Middle and High Schools Selected, 540 Million Won in Support
Expanding Student-Led Educational Culture
Fostering Future Competencies Through Four Key Areas: Talent, Level, Mental, and Build UP

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) is set to fully launch the “Goyang Future Talent JUMP UP Project” to strengthen core future competencies among youth, such as problem-solving skills, creativity, and career exploration abilities.

Exterior view of Goyang Special City Hall. Provided by Goyang Special City

This initiative was designed to foster an educational culture where schools grow autonomously and students take the lead in participation, amid a rapidly changing educational environment.

A total of 35 middle and high schools in the city applied for the program, and after a review process, 32 schools were ultimately selected, including 14 middle schools and 18 high schools.

The selected schools will operate their projects until February 2026 and are expected to submit outcome and financial reports after the completion of the program.

The project will be implemented across four areas tailored to students’ diverse stages of growth and school conditions: ▲Talent UP through inquiry and challenge ▲Level UP for personal development ▲Mental UP through emotional relationship recovery ▲Build UP for future-ready schools. A total budget of 540 million won will be distributed among the 32 schools.

In particular, the “Build UP” area will involve science-focused schools, autonomous public high schools, and specialized high schools undergoing curriculum restructuring. The focus will be on establishing infrastructure for future-oriented curricula and learning environments tailored to each school’s characteristics. The goal is to lay the foundation for enhancing educational competitiveness and enriching students’ learning experiences by establishing AI and media education spaces and expanding science lab equipment.

Additionally, a variety of programs will be offered, including social problem-solving idea planning projects, special lectures by professionals in unique careers, “Restorative Circles for Sharing Minds” to foster healthy relationships, and “Our Stage & Sharing Festival,” where students share what they have learned over the year.

In addition to this project, the city is also piloting the “Student Autonomy Project High Goyang,” which encourages students to shape school culture themselves. Both initiatives aim to strengthen school autonomy and student leadership.

School officials who participated in the program stated, “Through the opportunity to independently plan and operate programs, we were able to realize student-centered educational activities,” adding, “We hope that educational projects supporting student growth and creativity will continue to expand.”

A city official commented, “The JUMP UP Project marks an important starting point for Goyang-style future education, where students take center stage and schools grow independently. We will continue to expand various public programs that enable schools and students to grow together.”