Equal opportunities in MINT education: Herzberg starts new project!

Equal opportunities in MINT education: Herzberg starts new project!

In a groundbreaking project in the south of Brandenburg, MINT education (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology) is being promoted in order to create equal opportunities. The aim is to overcome structural barriers such as a lack of transport options and limited resources. The innovative concept of the Makermobile is used to bring STEM education directly to where it is needed most. Particular attention is paid to supporting young people who have little contact with technical and scientific topics, as well as girls and young women.

The project is jointly supported by the city of Herzberg (Elster), neuland21 e.V. and the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg. The BTU contributes its didactic expertise and experience with mobile student laboratories. In addition, a stationary offering called “MINTup” will be established in downtown Herzberg. This makerspace hosts workshops, working groups and holiday programs that strengthen young people's MINT skills.

Funding from the BMBF

Project funding is provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of MINT Cluster III. This part of the MINT Action Plan 2.0 aims to promote MINT skills nationwide, which are particularly important for securing skilled workers in Germany. Strengthening STEM education extends from early childhood education to university and includes training and further education. The federal institution supports numerous initiatives for MINT education outside of school lessons in order to meet social challenges such as climate change and digitalization.

The Action Plan 2.0 bundles existing measures and new initiatives in five central fields of action: cooperation, quality, family support, research and early childhood education - in short **Early Start@MINT**. This comprehensive strategy aims to coordinate and support STEM activities by incentivizing collaborations between school and extracurricular activities.

Commitment to equal opportunities

Particularly noteworthy is the **MissionMINT** initiative, which is committed to promoting women in MINT courses and careers. This is done, among other things, through the **Girls' Day** campaign, which is intended to offer female students career orientation that is free of clichés. The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields and especially in leadership positions remains a challenge. Even though the proportion of women among new students in STEM subjects has increased from 31% in 2002 to 35% in 2022, the path to equality is far from complete.

The newly designed project in southern Brandenburg not only represents direct support for MINT education, but also a general commitment to sustainable change in the educational landscape, which contributes to networking and exchange within the community. By breaking down barriers and improving access to STEM education, an important step towards a more equal society is being taken.