MINToringSi - Studierende begleiten Schüler:innen auf ihrem Weg in ein MINT-Studium
Overview
MINToringSi is a cooperative program of the University of Siegen, the Arnsberg district government and the Association of Siegerland Metal Industry (VdSM). The aim is to get young people interested in STEM subjects. MINToringSi was offered for the first time in 2013 as a regional successor to the "MINToring® - Studierende begleiten Schülerinnen und Schüler" program of the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw).
The program involves supporting pupils interested in STEM subjects over a period of three years, starting in Q1.
MINToringSi
Program details
The first year of support familiarizes participants with the STEM field. This includes meetings, excursions, company visits and at least one STEM camp. Participants are familiarized with facilities at the University of Siegen.
The second year of the project focuses on STEM project work. They can practice scientific work in a team and acquire important skills for everyday STEM studies. The in-depth insights provided help to concretize study and career prospects. The work includes a practical research component, written documentation of the results and an oral presentation.
In the third year of support, workshops are held on topics such as learning and knowledge management, time planning and effective working in STEM studies. In addition, regular meetings are held for the purpose of exchanging ideas and experiences.
Goals
- "MINToringSi" strengthens the interest of upper secondary school students in Siegen-Wittgenstein in the subject of STEM,
- "MINToringSi" motivates students to take up STEM studies or dual STEM studies, especially at the University of Siegen
- "MINToringSi" stabilizes students in STEM studies and counteracts dropouts,
- "MINToringSi" promotes academic STEM jobs at VdSM member companies.
Advantages for students
- Intensive contacts in the network with like-minded people, students, the University of Siegen and local companies in the M+E industry,
- Dealing with STEM topics under expert guidance,
- Teaching key skills (e.g. through STEM camps and workshops) for your studies,
- Advice and support in the first semesters of STEM studies,
- Optimization strategies and motivation for further studies.
The application deadline is always September 30th of each year. Information on the application criteria and the application process can be found on the program's website
Voices of former students
How did I benefit from MINToringSi?
- Contact with students from higher semesters, who helped you with questions and problems, especially when you were starting your studies (e.g. where can I find what on campus, tips on how to choose your subjects, which subjects have to be taken and in what context, etc.) -> networking
- Insight into scientific work by setting up a WLAN-capable particulate matter measuring station. Help with writing scientific papers and learning presentation techniques.
What has MINToringSi meant to me?
"When others were pursuing hobbies in their free time, I met up with other students interested in STEM at the University of Siegen for the last two school years at MINToringSi. The STEM mentors came up with a great program to get us even more excited about these subjects; be it lectures, experiments or excursions, usually rounded off with a meal together where we could review the day and exchange ideas. I am now in the middle of my math studies and, looking back, I would take part in MINToring again in a heartbeat. Thank you very much for the great experiences I had!"