Innovation-focused network "Future through Innovation" earns the distinguished Quality Seal from Dusseldorf State Council for their network.
The zdi network Rhein-Kreis Neuss, a significant player in providing practical learning opportunities for young people in Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology (MINT) fields, has been awarded a quality seal. This recognition confirms the high-quality work of the network, which is overseen by Landrat Hans-Jürgen Petrauschke and coordinator Jessica Schillings.
The network, operating in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss region, boasts a strong partnership with 29 partner schools and 35 extra-curricular partners. Notable partners include companies such as Westenergie and Zülow AG, as well as schools like the Georg-Büchner-Gymnasium Kaarst and the Berufskolleg für Technik und Informatik (BTI) in Neuss. The Technologiezentrum Glehn (TZG Akademie) is another key partner, supporting programming and app development education aligned with the zdi initiative.
The zdi network offers a variety of career and study orientation measures in MINT fields. Programs and activities include the zdi-Roboterwettbewerb (robot competition), MINT-focused holiday courses, and participation in campaigns like the MINTmachtag (MINT power day) with environmental and climate protection themes.
For instance, during the zdi-Roboterwettbewerb, teams of students from secondary schools build and program robots to compete. Recently, 19 teams competed under the theme "Future Food" at the BTI in Neuss. The network also contributes to MINT-focused holiday courses for youths, offering free workshops and training in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology during summer breaks.
To receive the quality seal, local activists must meet certain criteria, including successful networking with regional partners, implementation of target group-specific offers, and increasing the visibility of MINT offers. The Economic Development Corporation Rhein-Kreis Neuss GmbH meets these criteria through its activities in the zdi network.
Last year, the zdi network Rhein-Kreis Neuss organized 46 MINT offers, reaching a total of 535 students. For more information, please contact Jessica Schillings at 0 21 31/928 75 06 or [email protected].
The zdi network is a vital component amidst the skilled labor shortage, playing a crucial role in inspiring young people for careers in MINT fields and providing orientation for choosing a vocational training or studies in these fields. It is part of a broader state-supported initiative in North Rhine-Westphalia, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science NRW and other public funds aimed at educational development in STEM/MINT areas.
The zdi network Rhein-Kreis Neuss, with its focus on economic and social policy, is instrumental in fostering education-and-self-development opportunities in STEM fields like mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology (MINT) through various learning initiatives. These include the zdi-Roboterwettbewerb, MINT-focused holiday courses, and participation in campaigns like the MINTmachtag, promoting STEM education to young learners.
