Since the start of this winter semester, a total of 110 talented young students have been granted a Deutschlandstipendium [German stipend]: 72 of them are first-time recipients. On 20th November 2012 the University invited the students and their sponsors to an event to celebrate the occasion. This stipend is a very special grant. It is not solely awarded on the basis of good academic grades. The selection criteria also take into account the social and civic commitment of the students, who were selected from a total of over 500 applicants. This is the second round of Deutschlandstipendium awards at the University.

During the celebration event held in GW1, the private sponsors were able to make personal acquaintance with the happy beneficiaries. “We value and support the potential harbored in the diversity of these young people’s life courses. Together with their families, the sponsors, and all those who have held the scholarship since 2011, we want to celebrate this honor “, said Prof. Yasemin Karaka?o?lu, Vice Rectoress for Intercultural and International Affairs of the University of Bremen, in her welcoming address.

About 20% of the 110 scholarship holders are freshers lucky enough to be able to start studying with a scholarship. Almost 80% are involved in some kind of voluntary or charitable activity besides their university studies. Over 60% come from so-called non-academic families, and some 30% have a migrant background. Prof. Heidi Schelhowe, the University’s Vice Rectoress for Academic Learning and Teaching voiced her high regard for the Deutschlandstipendium-program. She said: “In this way the program at the University of Bremen and the stipend sponsors provide valuable incentives for talented young people to start out on a university education, to retain them once they are here, and to strengthen the feeling of community here in Bremen. Excellent research and teaching join together here on a ‘campus of young talent’. The corporate sector’s strong support for the program is also an indication of how important these talents are for the economy of Bremen.”

You can find out more about the Deutschlandstipendium, the stipend holders and the stipend sponsors in German language here.