Rhineland-Palatinate: MINT strategy ensures the future for young talents!

Rhineland-Palatinate: MINT strategy ensures the future for young talents!

In Rhineland-Palatinate, the importance of MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology) becomes increasingly clear. According to bildungsklick.de , a comprehensive MINT strategy was developed almost a decade ago, which is aimed at motivating children and young people to decide on training and courses in these areas. This initiative already begins in the daycare center and runs until the school leaving certificate.

Minister of Education Dr. Stefanie Hubig emphasizes the practical teaching approach, which is supported by the provision of experimental cases, technical equipment and extensive training courses for teachers. These investments are not only laid out in the long term, but also substantial. From 2016 to the end of 2024, around 3.8 million euros flowed into the MINT strategy, including over 2.4 million euros from state funds. An additional 1.2 million euros are planned for 2025 and 2026.

success of the MINT strategy

The MINT Report Rhineland-Palatinate 2024 documents the first successes of this strategy. There is an increase in female students in MINT subjects, the integration of foreign employees as well as growing interest and employment figures in computer science and biotechnology. Despite these positive developments, the challenge remains great: many students, especially girls and young women, decide against a MINT training or a MINT degree at the end of their school career. It is therefore crucial to continuously strengthen the interest, knowledge and confidence in these disciplings.

To support these processes, a round table "Mint" was launched, which brings together partners from education, business, politics and society. This table comprises 17 different partners, including institutions, chambers and associations. The country's MINT office, which was founded in 2018, coordinates these funding measures and is a contact point for MINT players in Rhineland-Palatinate. Strengthening the MINT formation along the entire educational chain is a central goal of this initiative, which also serves the claim to position Rhineland-Palatinate as a strong MINT country.

wide range of MINT resources

In order to enrich practical lessons, numerous materials and offers are available. The networking between schools and companies is supported by projects and loosening models. The materials offered include:

• mathematics: escape rooms, outdoor mathematics and special mathematics researcher boxes.
• Computer science: Calliope Mini 3 for programming and IoT applications.
• chemistry: chemical box 2.0 and escape games.
• Biology: Handymikroscopes and starter kits for sustainability goals.
• Physics: physics box! For heat transports and thermal imaging cameras.
• interdisciplinary offers for climate change and sustainability.

The diverse offers and ongoing efforts should help inspire young people early on for MINT. The use of modern methods is particularly tailored to the needs and interests of the students. This ensures that the coming generations not only acquire the necessary knowledge, but also the motivation to gain a foothold in these essential areas. The MINT initiatives in Rhineland-Palatinate therefore stand not only for the promotion of knowledge, but also for the active design of a sustainable society.

For further information on support measures, the Rhineland-Palatinate educational server is an insightful contact point, as is also reported by bm.rlp.de