New Potentials
Studies in educational science show that social background has a significant influence on the course of studies and academic success. Students from non-academic homes often do not arrive at university properly, part-time jobs are usually sought outside the university, the university habitus remains foreign and the important development of networks within academia is often lacking. This has an impact on both academic success and future career orientation.
Our goal: to promote the academic success of first-year students and diversity in the academic environment.
Our building blocks
- Student position: The programme arranges and finances UNIFY Hiwi positions for up to 30 hours per month for a period of two semesters. Bachelor students from the third semester with a non-academic background can apply.
- Mentoring: Participating professors and research assistants become mentors for their student assistants. The structure of the mentoring relationship is decided in an individual agreement between mentor and mentee. UNIFY offers programme participants a short event on successful mentoring before the start of the programme and provides support during the project phase in case of questions.
- Further training: We endeavour to promote diversity in the academic environment and offer our participants the best possible support.
- Diversity training: Our interactive workshops and discussions enable participants to develop a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. Topics such as cultural diversity, gender equality, etc. are covered in order to promote respectful interaction and sensitise participants to different perspectives.
Meeting NPP 24/25: 26.06.25 from 1pm to 5pm
- Job application training: Through practical tips, individual feedback and practice opportunities, participants are supported in optimising their application documents, successfully applying for jobs and optimally preparing for job interviews.
Meeting NPP 25/25: 26.03.25 & 27.03.25 from 9am to 12
- "Arbeiterkind" event: In cooperation with Arbeiterkind e.V., we offer special events for students from non-academic backgrounds. These provide a platform for exchange, mutual support and networking with like-minded people to encourage and inspire participants.
Online Meeting NPP 24/25: 13.02.25 from 4pm to 6pm
- Intercultural Competence Training: The training supports participants in developing their intercultural skills and improving their ability to deal with cultural diversity. Through practical exercises and case studies, we strengthen their intercultural competences to promote an inclusive and diverse community.
- Diversity training: Our interactive workshops and discussions enable participants to develop a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. Topics such as cultural diversity, gender equality, etc. are covered in order to promote respectful interaction and sensitise participants to different perspectives.
- Peer exchange for tandems and students: The peer exchange offers participating mentors and mentees the opportunity to network with others, share experiences, discuss challenges and support each other.
The new round starts in the winter semester 24/25.
Contact: If you have any questions, please contact Annika Werner or Marie-Claire Kabengele.
Contact details
Annika Werner: annika.werner@uni-heidelberg.de
Marie-Claire Kabengele: marie-claire.kabengele@uni-heidelberg.de
Join the New Potentials Programme and shape your future at Heidelberg University!
Call for applications: NEW POTENTIALS PROGRAMME - FUNDING FOR FIRST-TIME STUDENTS
Are you the first person in your family to study at a university? Would you like to get to know the university better and find out what the work of academics entails? Then apply now for our New Potentials Programme! We support students from non-academic families in getting to know the university environment better.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
- job as a student assistant at your institute for two semesters
- personal mentoring from experienced academics
- regular exchange with other participants in the programme
- further education programmes on diversity topics with certificates of participation
WHAT DO WE EXPECT?
- willingness to accept a student assistant job for two semesters
- commitment to regular meetings with your mentor
- reliable participation in networking meetings and further education programmes
CONTACT
UNIFY - Diversity Management
Marie-Claire Kabengele: marie-claire.kabengele@uni-heidelberg.de
Annika Werner: annika.werner@uni-heidelberg.de
The programme is aimed at Bachelor students from the 3rd semester onwards.
Programme start: winter semester 2024. Further information on events and the dates of the training courses can be found at UNIFY.
INTERESTED?
Apply by 30th June 2024 with a short letter of motivation that also highlights your non-academic background, your CV and a current transcript of records at unify@uni-heidelberg.de.
Further information can be found here.
