Rhineland-Palatinate is promoting scientific and technical education in schools and universities. “STEM is the future and we want to get our students ready and excited about it,” said Education Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) in Mainz. A growing proportion of new students in the STEM subjects of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, 20 STEM schools of excellence and more than 110 STEM-friendly schools are evidence of the positive development in the state.
Almost every second grammar school and every fourth comprehensive school in Rhineland-Palatinate has already firmly anchored MINT support in its school profile. With the MINT regions and the regional sponsorship program, it has also been possible to integrate all rural districts and independent cities in Rhineland-Palatinate into the close-knit support network, reported Hubig at a round table with experts from education, science and business with a focus on biotechnology.
Networking and educational partnerships are important
Since 2018, more than two million euros have been invested in direct MINT support measures, for example to equip schools or to train multipliers. “However, it is not just money that we need,” stressed the minister. Networking and educational partnerships are also crucial.
Hubig and the state coordinator for biotechnology, Eckhard Thines, highlighted the good future and career prospects with skills in mathematics, IT, natural sciences and technology. There is a great need for skilled workers and especially for technical staff, emphasized Thines. However, the key is to arouse young people’s enthusiasm for these opportunities and to make the jobs more attractive.
