Pupils in the focus of the HSZG

A key guiding principle of the University Executive Board is the participatory shaping of the university’s future. To implement this, the “University for the Future” process was launched. As part of this initiative, future scenarios for our Zittau/Görlitz university are being jointly developed in various workshops. In this context, a STEM strategy development workshop took place on May 25, 2021.

University staff and external partners—such as teachers, students, and representatives of the district—came together to discuss a strategic direction for the future development of the HSZG with regard to our STEM activities.

Shaping tomorrow's STEM together

The more than 60 participants in the workshop were divided into 5 groups, within which they each addressed a specific question and objective. In addition to evaluating existing STEM formats offered by the HSZG, the focus was on analyzing our target groups, the question of which marketing measures we can use to reach them more effectively and cooperation with external stakeholders such as schools and makerspaces. Ideas and suggestions for action were also developed to increase the number of students and companies participating in our dual study program KIA.

The results of the group work, including a benefit analysis to evaluate our STEM offerings, are now being prepared and will serve as a basis for decisions on the next steps in the University for the Future process. Orientation points include the establishment of even closer contact with teachers, parents and grandparents, but also an increased exchange with young people at eye level involving students and alumni as well as the development of further measures to address an increasing number of supra-regional and international prospective students. To this end, further workshops are being initiated with students themselves as well as with teaching staff and the management bodies of regional schools.