Empowering Young Minds: My Gap Year as a STEM Tutor

Taking a gap year is often seen as a time for exploration, learning, and growth. For me, this year has been an incredible opportunity to contribute to STEM education while gaining invaluable experience through my role as a voluntary STEM tutor at the Walter-Reis-Institut (WRI). Through hands-on workshops and mentorship, I have had the privilege of inspiring young minds and fostering a passion for science and technology.

Awarded as a National STEM Ambassador

As part of my role at WRI, I was awarded as a national STEM ambassador. This recognition is given to individuals who are particularly committed to promoting STEM topics. I am proud to be part of the MINT Zukunft schaffen initiative and contribute to fostering interest in STEM subjects. The initiative is supported by the German Chancellor.

Awarded as a National STEM Ambassador

Bringing STEM to Life: Workshops and Hands-on Learning

One of the core aspects of my role has been organizing and conducting STEM workshops as part of the MINTbayU initiative. This program, initiated by the TH Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences, the Regionalmanagement-Initiative Bayerischer Untermain and the Walter Reis Institut, is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It offers free extracurricular activities in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering. By making STEM accessible to children and teenagers, the initiative aims to equip them with essential skills for the future.

Students participating in a hands-on STEM workshop

A highlight of my experience has been teaching courses on electrical engineering and programming. In one such workshop, participants built a Wi-Fi-enabled LED matrix and programmed their own animations and games. Seeing the enthusiasm of students as they transformed theoretical concepts into functional projects has been deeply rewarding. The preparation for these courses was intensive, but witnessing the positive impact on students made every effort worthwhile.

A Community of Innovators

Beyond teaching, my involvement at WRI has allowed me to engage with experts and industry leaders. I have had the chance to interact with professionals from diverse fields, including members of the Walter and Gabriele Reis Foundation's board. These conversations have provided me with insights into technological advancements, entrepreneurship, and the broader impact of STEM education.

"Wissen für alle": 10th Anniversary of the Foundation

With the 10th anniversary of the foundation, the Walter and Gabriele Reis Foundation also celebrated a special edition of the lecture series "Knowledge for All". This lecture series is an important part of the foundation and provides a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experiences. The special feature: After the lectures, participants have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss with the speakers. For the anniversary, stock market expert Anja Kohl gave an exciting lecture on the current political and economic situation. As part of the foundation, I found it particularly exciting to meet the speakers personally after the lectures and engage in discussions with them.

Anja Kohl at the 10th anniversary of the Walter and Gabriele Reis Foundation

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Through my work, I have seen firsthand how early exposure to STEM can spark curiosity and confidence in young learners. The workshops at MINTbayU cater to students from different educational backgrounds, ensuring that anyone with an interest in science and technology can participate without prior knowledge. By creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, we are helping to shape the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.

In the coming months of my gap year, I am looking forward to developing new workshops and gaining exciting experiences. The impressions I have gained so far have definitely strengthened my decision to continue engaging with STEM topics in the future.

Learn more about the MINTbayU initiative