Breaking systemic education barriers in Amsterdam

In some of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods of Amsterdam and Zaandam, residents live up to six years less than the rest of the country’s population. They also face unemployment rates of around 20 per cent.

For young people growing up in these communities, the path to higher education is often blocked by systemic barriers. Many are the first in their families to study. They often live in overcrowded housing without quiet space and lack the professional networks that often help students move into education and employment.

Stichting Studiezalen was established to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing education and life-skills programs for primary, secondary and tertiary students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Based in local neighbourhoods, the organisation offers safe study spaces alongside practical support for internships, networks and academic work, combining academic guidance with life coaching. 

The Goodman Foundation and Studiezalen are aligned in their focus on inclusion, resilience and long-term community outcomes.

The partnership is enabling Studiezalen to continue developing the program to help 17 to 27-year-old tertiary students overcome barriers to education and employment as they juggle study with paid work and family responsibilities.

A three-year funding commitment from the Goodman Foundation provides stability as Studiezalen expands and strengthens its Studenten Studiezalen program. 

In the first half of 2025, Goodman Foundation support helped students access practical academic and professional development opportunities alongside their studies. These included a Thesis Masterclass led by PhD candidates and a six-week job readiness program offering recognised certifications such as First Aid.

The outcomes were immediate. During a single reporting period, recruitment support helped 15 students secure internships, while others gained certifications that strengthened their confidence and job prospects.

The Foundation’s investment is also supporting digital improvements: the Studiezalen team plans to expand its online platform into a mobile application, making it easier for students to book study spaces, register for workshops and track their own progress.

By 2027, the program aims to support up to 2,000 tertiary students, helping them build the skills, resilience and networks needed to succeed in education and beyond.