Academic Achievement and Civic Participation – Deutschlandstipendium Scholarships Awarded

Not only do they stand out for their excellent academic achievements, they also participate in and contribute to society: 119 students have been awarded Deutschlandstipendium scholarships. The scholarship includes financial support as well as a multifaceted accompanying program.

“Especially in challenging times, the support of education and academic research is of immeasurable value. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the sponsors who, through their commitment, are opening up new opportunities for young people and sending an important message: Education is an important prerequisite for shaping our society responsibly. At the same time, we warmly congratulate the scholarship holders on being selected for the Deutschlandstipendium! They are among a group of young people who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements, who are socially committed, and who are overcoming particular challenges in their lives,” emphasized Maren Petersen, Vice President for Teaching and Studies, at the award ceremony. Together with Christina Vocke, Head of Administrative Department 06 – Student Affairs, she presented the award certificates to the students.

Support from the Federal Government and Civil Society

As part of the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, the federal government, companies, associations, foundations, and private individuals are currently supporting over 31,000 high-performing students nationwide. In this way, civil society is taking responsibility for talented young people. The scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month for one year. Half of the money is provided by the federal government, and the other half by private sponsors. Not only academic performance at school or university counts, but also social or communal commitment. The scholarships are awarded by a scholarship council made up of students and teaching staff members from the university. The scholarship also includes non-material support. For example, it includes workshops on orientation in life and career matters and the sponsors offer insights into working environments and valuable networks. Since the program was launched in 2011, more than 1,600 scholarships have been awarded at the University of Bremen.

Former scholarship holder Madeleine Kirste explained what the funding means for students: “I was lucky enough to be supported by the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship from 2016 to 2020. In addition to the financial support, I benefited greatly from the accompanying program: I have very fond memories of the workshops and visits to companies.”

Sponsor Ute Treptow: “Giving something back that was once made possible for me”

A total of 65 companies, private individuals, associations, and foundations – including ten new sponsors – fund the scholarships. Ute Treptow is one of them. “For my 70th birthday, I asked my guests for donations to a good cause instead of gifts – a heartfelt desire to give back what was once made possible for me. Thanks to the support of my guests, I am able to support the Deutschlandstipendium as a private sponsor for the first time in the 2024/2025 funding year. I am very happy to be able to support talented young people in this way and to get to know them through the accompanying program,” she said at the event.

Sponsors can fund one or more scholarships over a period of at least one year. The contribution of 1,800 euros per scholarship is tax deductible. It is also part of the tradition of the Deutschlandstipendium at the University of Bremen that current scholarship holders collect money for further scholarships. Interested parties can also participate with small donations at https://www.betterplace.org/de/projects/139661-aus-1-werden-4-gemeinsam-bewegen-was-bremen-bewegt.