Commitment to STEM subjects leads to an official award

The Steinmühle has now been recognized as a “STEM-friendly school” by the Hessian State Parliament in Wiesbaden. This official recognition honors the school’s focus on mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology.

The award, which was accepted by Steinmühlen teachers Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf (STEM coordinator) and Constanze Oestreicher-Gold (department head), took place during a joint celebration organized by “MINT Zukunft Schaffen!” and the Center for Chemistry, at the invitation of Dr. Thomas Schneidermeier, at the Hessian State Parliament in Wiesbaden. The award for schools in Hesse is held under the patronage of Minister of Education Prof. Dr. Alexander Lorz and the Conference of Ministers of Education (KMK).

In addition to a 20-page application, Steinmühle’s various self-imposed standards led to the award, explained Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf. These include, among other things, the introduction of computer science as an exam subject, the subject “Natural Science Education” (NaUnt) as an additional course offering, competitions in STEM subjects as part of elective courses (WU), participation in “Jugend Forscht,” career counseling in related fields, and partnerships with businesses and universities.

Steinmühlen School principals Björn Gemmer and Bernd Holly, along with Dirk Konnertz, executive director of the school association, are pleased that another key area of development has now become official and visible.

The “STEM-Friendly Schools” initiative raises awareness among students, parents, businesses, and the general public through this recognition, and these schools are not only acknowledged by the business community but also receive special support from it. Nationwide partners of the “MINT Zukunft schaffen” initiative, in coordination with state employers’ associations and business-affiliated educational organizations, recognize those schools that consciously prioritize STEM subjects. The schools are evaluated based on a rigorous, standardized set of criteria and undergo a nationally uniform application process.

Among the partners—and thus those who honor the schools—are, in addition to other associations and companies, the Kassel-Marburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.