zdi-Centre Kreis Kleve cleverMINT unveils new website

Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, March 20, 2015: A shortage of specialists – particularly in STEM areas – is an ongoing problem in many countries, including Germany. The zdi-Centre cleverMINT (Maths, IT, Natural Science, Technology) in the district of Kleve is one way that Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and the Lower Rhine region are addressing this dilemma. The goal of the initiative is simple: foster an interest in science, engineering and technology in school children of all ages. By introducing children and young people to concepts from science and technology, participating partners hope to encourage future generations of scientists.

The zdi initiative also maintains a common network of schools, universities, enterprises, government and job agencies in order to introduce as many young people from around the region to science as possible. “The zdi network is a common point of contact for all local actors who want to encourage kids to pursue an interest in STEM subjects. By doing so, we hope to fill future vacancies in engineering, technical and scientific disciplines”, explains Martina Bracht-Nienaber, project coordinator and contact person of the zdi-Centre at Rhine-Waal.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is the main financial supporter of the zdi-Centre Kreis Kleve cleverMINT (founded November 2012). The project has grown remarkably since its inception: in early 2013 the zdi ‘RobertaZentrum’, which focusses primarily on teaching via robotics fields, was founded in the district of Kleve, and in May 2014 the pupils-only laboratory Energie was launched at Rhine-Waal’s campus in Kleve, enabling children and young people from around the region to explore renewable energy topics in fun, hands-on activities.

A full overview of upcoming zdi events can be found on their website www.zdi-kleve.de (in German).