Today, school must be more than just a place where lessons are taught. That's why the teachers at Gabriele von Bülow Gymnasium in Berlin-Reinickendorf start early with career-oriented measures – especially in the area of media and technical education. To this end, the principal, the head of the science department and a physics teacher visited Fraunhofer IZM last week. The goal of the joint appointment with the institute's management and the technical trainers was not only to extend the existing cooperation agreement, but also to expand on the possibilities that are offered to students at the moment.

The head of the institute, Prof. Martin Schneider-Ramelow, agreed directly to an elective course on his field, materials science, and made his interest in the young scientists clear: "I have been teaching at the Technical University of Berlin for many years and often realize that we need to awaken interest in applied research much earlier. Hence, I make time for the next generation of scientists, as their growth is a personal matter of the heart for me." The principal took the head of the institute at his word and approached him directly for another media offer of the Gabriele von Bülow Gymnasium: the in-house podcast of the students.

The school's collaboration with the research institute has been bearing fruit for over six years. In addition to Girls’ Day and internships, individual students have returned to the institute – like a former student of the Gabriele von Bülow High School who is currently completing his training at Fraunhofer IZM.

In addition, the collaboration is to be intensified with an extension of another five years. Part of that extension is an offer that has individual researchers come to the high school to give courses on applied research in the field of microelectronics in elective subjects for interested students. Furthermore, taster days and laboratory visits are to be provided for career orientation at Fraunhofer IZM. In addition, both institutions want to intensify the mutual media coverage and thus address new target groups.

After signing the contract in our substrate line and in the clean room, the participants went on a joint tour of the laboratory, where they agreed that this is what the promotion of young talent should look like. And that Fraunhofer IZM can provide enough workplaces for students and trainees in the future. All participants are positive about the plans that have been set and hope to reach even more STEM-enthusiastic students.