Bergisch Competentia – Getting More Girls and Women into STEM

Although the proportion of girls and boys in advanced STEM courses at high schools is nearly equal, the proportion of women in higher education or vocational training is only 23 percent, and in STEM professions, it is just 17 percent.

Why? And how can we prevent so many girls and young women from dropping out of STEM careers between high school and the workforce? Answering these questions and finding solutions are the goals of Bergische Competentia’s “Initiative to Increase the Number of Girls and Women in STEM.”

Last Monday (April 13, 2026), a networking meeting was held on this topic at the Berger Gruppe in Wuppertal-Cronenberg. Participants exchanged ideas and shared their own experiences.

A highlight of the event was the presentation by Julia Freisberger from KOFA (Competence Center for Securing Skilled Workers), who spoke about the potential of rehiring.
Ursula Skraburski-Süsselbeck then presented the concept of the Summer University, which allows high school seniors to spend a week getting a taste of STEM degree programs.

All in all, it was a great event, and we’re really looking forward to the next meeting on October 8!
Many thanks to Marion Boutillat for organizing the event and to Melanie Conrad for her entertaining hosting of the program!