STEM promotion

Shaping the future

MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. These subjects promote logical thinking, problem-solving skills and technical understanding - skills that are in demand in many professions and degree courses. The STEM subjects are also key fields for the future. They shape innovation, digitalization, climate protection and social progress. In order to get young people interested in these subjects at an early age, North Rhine-Westphalia is focusing on a comprehensive STEM funding strategy - practical, regionally anchored and accessible to all.

The focus is on the network zdi.NRW ("Future through Innovation"). It is the largest STEM education network in Europe and connects schools, universities, companies, municipalities and civil society actors. The aim is to give children and young people concrete access to STEM subjects - regardless of their origin, gender or educational background. In Bochum, zdi works closely with MINT.BOchum linked. Pupils can take part in zdi courses, implement their own projects and gain insights into STEM professions. The aim is to discover talents and open up new perspectives.

What is STEM promotion all about?

  • Early support: Curiosity and a spirit of discovery are already awakened in Grundschulen - e.g. through experiment boxes or project days.

  • Practical relevance: Pupils work in laboratories, workshops or directly with companies. In this way, STEM is not only experienced in theory, but in a real context.

  • Career guidance: The zdi-BSO-MINT program shows ways into STEM apprenticeships and degree courses - through vacation camps, company projects or university collaborations.

  • Diversity and participation: The offers are designed to be inclusive. There are special formats for girls, for pupils with special needs or for young people with refugee experience.

  • Focus on digitization: Many courses address current topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics and sustainability - including in digital learning formats.

Why is this important?

The shortage of skilled workers in STEM professions is already noticeable today. At the same time, these fields offer particularly good future and earning opportunities. This is precisely where STEM funding in NRW comes in: It creates prospects - for young people and for society.

Example from Bochum
MINT.BOchum - Education between heaven and earth

Mint.BOchum is a regional network that connects schools, companies, universities and other partners. Together, practical STEM education is implemented - with workshops, laboratory visits, vacation offers and career guidance. The zdi network Mint.BOchum offers around 5,000 pupils exciting insights into STEM professions every year - directly in the region.

Under the motto "Education between heaven and earth", the focus is on topics such as space travel, astronomy, geography and sustainability.
The network supports teachers, develops materials and brings STEM directly into the classroom. This creates exciting learning opportunities that have an impact beyond the school day.

Highlights in Bochum:

  • zdi school lab in the Langendreer public library with courses on robotics, recycling technology and climate research

  • Vacation camps such as "Light and Earth" with experiments at four special learning locations in the Ruhr region

  • TECLabs: student labs at Bochum universities

  • JUNIOR team: workshops with trainees and students from the region

  • Climate network Bochum: pupils operate their own climate stations and evaluate environmental data

The network is supported by local partners - including the Bochum Planetarium, Ruhr University, Bochum University of Applied Sciences and numerous companies.