The Schleicher Foundation Once Again Funds Four Programs at KIT
Germany Scholarships, computer science programs for high school students, hands-on energy research, and awards for outstanding doctoral dissertations: Through its commitment, the Schleicher Foundation is once again supporting young people from their first exposure to science all the way through to their doctorates. These four initiatives address different stages of educational and research paths. They provide opportunities to gain hands-on experience in computer science, offer financial support to students, bridge the gap between energy research and its practical applications, and recognize outstanding scientific achievements.
Three Germany Scholarships for Students
The Schleicher Foundation is providing private funding for three Germany Scholarships at KIT. The program supports particularly talented and dedicated students with 300 euros per month. Private donors and the federal government jointly fund the scholarships. The support is intended to give students more freedom to focus on their studies. When selecting recipients, the selection committees at the KIT departments consider not only academic performance but also social engagement and personal circumstances. The program also offers opportunities for students to interact with their sponsors.
Try Your Hand at Computer Science
By renewing its funding for Science Camps∂KIT Computer Science, the KIT Foundation is supporting a program that introduces students to digital technologies. In one-week vacation camps, for example, they can develop their own game console or, starting in 10th grade, explore artificial intelligence. A separate computer science camp for girls in grades 8 through 10 is designed to break down barriers to participation.
The camps take place in the Computer Science Teaching and Learning Lab, where staff and students in the computer science teacher-training program mentor the participants. Insights into research projects and excursions to IT companies round out the program. The target is to spark interest in computer science and support students in choosing their academic path.
Combining Energy Research with Practical Applications
The KIT Graduate School “Enabling Net Zero” (ENZo), which has also received renewed funding, prepares doctoral researchers for careers in energy research and the energy sector. To support the Energy transition, they are expected to understand the interplay between technologies and other factors influencing the energy system and to be able to apply their findings in practice.
To this end, they work in small, interdisciplinary groups on their own applied projects, known as “Real World Projects.” Examples of these projects include the energy transition game “WattsNext” and “Sparkling DAC,” a demonstrator for capturing carbon dioxide from the air.
Honoring Outstanding Doctorates
The Schleicher Foundation is also once again supporting KIT’s doctoral awards. The award honors doctoral graduates whose theses were graded “summa cum laude.” The foundation sponsors the award in cooperation with the KIT Foundation; the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) handles the organizational aspects. The award is endowed with 4,500 euros, is announced annually, and is presented during the Night of Excellence of the President of KIT.
For more information on project details, funding needs, and contact persons, please visit the KIT GIVING project pages.
Germany Scholarship
Science Camps∂KIT Computer Science
KIT Graduate School “Enabling Net Zero” (ENZo)
KIT Doctoral Award