RWTH Hosts Ceremony For The First “NRWTalente” Cohort

In Germany today, social background is often a decisive factor in educational success. RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences are seeking to counteract this trend with the “NRWTalente – Region Aachen” project funded by the NRW Ministry for Schools and Education. The project grants scholarships for school pupils in and around Aachen whose parents did not go to university. The scholarship is intended to achieve more educational and equal opportunities as well as individual support for young people.

Together with Dr. Urban Mauer, State Secretary in the NRW Ministry for Schools and Education, RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences recently presented the first 30 scholarship recipients with their certificates of acceptance into the program in a ceremony held in the Aula of the RWTH Main Building. “The largest regional student scholarship program makes an important contribution to individual advancement and equal opportunity. The program opens up new perspectives for young people from non-academic families of all school types. I congratulate the new NRWTalents on their success. The granting of this scholarship alone is a sign of recognition and award of exceptional performance,” said Dr. Urban Mauer.

The ceremony featured an extensive program, including a guest appearance by poetry slammer and author Patrick Salmen. Project managers Janette Zakrzewski and Theresa Linkhorst joined scholarship recipients Amira, Marie, and Jeremy to provide insights into the scholarship program. “The fact that I am now a scholarship recipient makes me proud, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to make my family proud as well,” said one scholarship recipient, describing her joy at receiving the scholarship.