When scholars meet their sponsors

(Press-News.org) FRANKFURT. The principle that stands behind the Deutschlandstipendium is as simple as it is striking: every euro raised by universities each year is doubled by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Goethe University Frankfurt raised €990,000 this year, bringing the total funding available to Deutschlandstipendium scholars to €1,980,000. This means that 550 students – about one third of whom have a migrant background – can receive €300 per month for a maximum of two years. For many among them, the funding means they have to spend less time financing their degrees, and can devote more time to their studies.  

At the social event held on November 28, 2023, many of the scholarship holders personally collected their awards – and some even met with their individual sponsor. All told, some 600 people gathered at the networking event. As part of his welcoming address, Goethe University President Enrico Schleiff extended a special thank-you to three of the 22 sponsors who have supported the program since its launch 13 years ago, pointing out that it is the commitment of local sponsors, among others, that makes the program such a success story. "This widespread acceptance among the population is illustrative of the support for meaningful work, also and especially among Frankfurt’s civil society."

Participants were treated to a performance by science slammer and archaeologist Frederic Auth, who won this year's "Antiquity Slam" in Berlin with his presentation of a surprising archaeological discovery by Goethe University scientists.

Some 300 private sponsors and 50 non-profit organizations – who provide the bulk of the funding – donated towards a Deutschlandstipendium this year, slightly more than in previous years. In line with the general trend observed since the pandemic, the number of sponsoring companies has dropped slightly, to about 50.

In addition to the monthly €300 stipend, the Deutschlandstipendium also comprises a non-material support program as well as a strong network and wide range of events. The "Young Leadership Program" gives scholarship holders the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally, including through individual advancement in project teams as well as study-related programs and offers, such as seminars, workshops, best-practice exchanges and networks. The scholars themselves are currently working to set up a Deutschlandstipendium alumni group at Goethe University, with the aim of staying in touch with each other and maintaining their own network even after their scholarship has ended.

A total of 6,752 Deutschlandstipendium scholarships have been awarded since 2011, which corresponds to €12,153,600 in funding. In line with the federal government's matching principle, Goethe University students have so far benefited from around €25 million in funding for the Deutschlandstipendium.

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