SPD anticipates the opening of the "Girls' School"
The city of Oberhausen is taking a significant step forward in enhancing its educational offerings with the launch of the "Girls' Academy". This innovative initiative, focusing on Mathematics, Informatics, Natural sciences, and Technology (MINT) subjects, aims to inspire girls to consider and pursue careers in these fields.
Claudia Salwik, a member of the city council and the spokesperson for equal opportunities in the SPD faction, expressed her gratitude to the Oberhausen entrepreneurs and companies that are already participating in the "Girls' Academy". The academy, an extension of the already established "Girls' Days" and "Lab4U" projects, is expected to grow in terms of support from companies.
The "Girls' Academy" targets girls from grades 8 to 13 and will commence in April. Each year, 20 students from various continuing schools will be supported by the academy. The goal is to win these girls over for a MINT profession in a regional company and accompany them on their way into studies and training, thereby contributing to the city's business landscape.
The academy has already made a positive impact, with enhanced awareness and interest among girls in MINT subjects. Tailored workshops and activities, such as the “Am Rande des Weltalls!” (At the Edge of Space) holiday workshop for girls from grade 8 onwards, have been instrumental in this.
The "Girls' Academy" also aims to close the gender gap in these fields by addressing societal and educational barriers that often discourage girls from continuing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. By building a supportive environment where girls can explore and identify with MINT careers, the academy hopes to increase female representation in these sectors long term.
This initiative aligns with broader MINT initiatives in Germany focused on fostering early career orientation and overcoming social disadvantages for girls in technical fields. The "Oberhausen 'Girls' Academy'" serves as an important example of localized, gender-specific efforts to promote equality and career diversity within MINT disciplines.
The networking between students, companies, and the university is seen as a positive development for the educational landscape of the city. As the "Girls' Academy" officially starts, it is hoped that it will enrich the educational offerings in Oberhausen, inspiring more girls to pursue careers in MINT and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the future.
The "Girls' Academy" is not only focused on providing education-and-self-development opportunities for girls, but also on fostering their interest in learning subjects such as Mathematics, Informatics, Natural sciences, and Technology (MINT). The city's ambitious project aims to increase representation of women in these fields by building a supportive environment and offering tailored workshops.
The "Girls' Academy" seeks to close the gender gap in MINT sectors by addressing societal and educational barriers and encouraging more girls to pursue learning in these areas, thereby contributing to the city's educational landscape and promoting diversity in future MINT professions.
