STEM promotion

Shaping the Future

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These subjects foster logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical understanding—abilities that are in high demand in many professions and academic programs. Furthermore, STEM subjects are key fields for the future. They shape innovation, digitalization, climate protection, and social progress. To get young people excited about these topics early on, North Rhine-Westphalia is implementing a comprehensive STEM promotion strategy—one that is practical, regionally rooted, and accessible to all.

The focus is on the network zdi.NRW (“Future Through Innovation”). It is Europe’s largest STEM education network and connects schools, universities, businesses, local governments, and civil society organizations. Its goal is to provide children and young people with concrete opportunities to engage with STEM topics—regardless of their background, gender, or educational path. In Bochum, zdi works closely with MINT.BOchum linked. Students can take zdi courses, carry out their own projects, and gain insight into STEM careers. The goal is to discover talent and open up new opportunities.

What makes STEM education so special?

  • Early intervention: Curiosity and a spirit of discovery are fostered as early as Grundschule—for example, through science kits or project days.

  • Practical relevance: Students work in labs, workshops, or directly with companies. This way, STEM is experienced not just in theory, but in a real-world context.

  • Career guidance: The zdi-BSO-MINT program highlights opportunities in STEM training programs and degree courses—through summer camps, corporate projects, and university partnerships.

  • Diversity and Inclusion: The programs are designed to be inclusive. There are special formats for girls, for students with special needs, and for young people who have experienced displacement.

  • Focus on Digitalization: Many courses cover current topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability—including in digital learning formats.

Why is that important?

The shortage of skilled workers in STEM fields is already evident today. At the same time, these fields offer particularly promising career prospects and earning potential. STEM promotion in North Rhine-Westphalia addresses this very issue: it creates opportunities—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, businesses, universities, and other partners. Together, they provide hands-on STEM education through workshops, lab visits, summer programs, and career guidance. The zdi network Mint.BOchum offers approximately 5,000 students each year exciting insights into STEM careers—right here in the region.

Under the motto “Education Between Heaven and Earth,” the focus is on topics such as space exploration, astronomy, geography, and sustainability.
The network supports teachers, develops educational materials, and brings STEM directly into the classroom. This results in engaging learning opportunities that have an impact beyond the school day.

Highlights in Bochum:

  • zdi Student Lab at the Langendreer Public Library, offering courses in robotics, recycling technology, and climate research

  • Summer camps such as “Light and Earth,” featuring experiments at four unique learning locations in the Ruhr region

  • TECLabs: Student Labs at Bochum's Universities

  • JUNIORTeam: Workshops with apprentices and students from the region

  • Bochum Climate Network: Students operate their own weather stations and analyze environmental data

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