In rural regions, particularly in the Altmark, there is a lack of networking between those involved in STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the regional economy. This lack leads to limited educational opportunities for children, young people and especially for educationally disadvantaged pupils. In addition, these regions often lack the structures and opportunities to make STEM processes tangible and promote access to such educational opportunities.

W:INT Altmark brings together key players in STEM education and the regional economy to build a cooperative STEM infrastructure. A central approach consists of technology-oriented student companies that make real STEM processes accessible to children, young people and families and at the same time promote sustainable partnerships with local companies. The project places particular emphasis on a collaborative “making” approach in special schools and youth centers, providing opportunities especially for girls and educationally disadvantaged students in rural areas. This hands-on approach has great potential to promote intrinsic, self-directed and concept-oriented learning in both informal and formal school and college contexts. The crafting process encourages experimentation and combines hands-on creation with the use of digital and analog tools.

W:INT Altmark connects stakeholders in STEM education with the regional industry

economy to the common STEM structure. The central method is technology-oriented student companies. These make it possible for children, young people and families to experience real STEM processes and involve regional commercial enterprises in the long term. The “collaborative making” approach in special schools and youth welfare facilities creates access for girls and educationally disadvantaged pupils, particularly in rural areas.

In order to specifically address the target group, the network partners plan to offer handicraft workshops in schools, youth centers, kindergartens, daycare centers and at local events and to disseminate them via digital platforms in rural regions. These workshops will be supplemented by STEM cafés to actively involve families. In addition, parents and grandparents will also be introduced to STEM education through events such as parents’ evenings in order to promote interest in STEM topics across generations.

01.09.2024 – 30.04.2027

• Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal, Forschungsgruppe SPiRIT (Koordination)
• Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Technische Bildung,
  Prof. Dr. Frank Bünning (Leitung), Dr. Stefan Brämer (Anprechpartner)
• Schüler-Institut für Technik und angewandte Informatik SITI e. V.
  Dr. Hannes König (Leitung)
  Mitarbeiterin (Anprechpartnerin)
• Unternehmernetzwerk Altmark UNA
  Frank Barniske

• Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF, WBC2019)