Making Education Open, Fair and Attractive

Dec 11, 2024
<2 MIN READ
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COLOGNE, Germany – A partnership forged by Ford Philanthropy and the University of Cologne to ensure everyone has access to education, has just celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Together, they have established the “University for Life”, which is backed by a motivated team from various areas of the university that makes education open, fair and attractive.

The team seek to break down social barriers, teach human and professional competences, strengthen networks with partners from society and economy and help to address current challenges such as integration of refugees or the shortage of skilled workers in schools.

This promotes the transfer between society, science and business. The University of Cologne invites schools and other learning venues, non-profit organizations, companies and foundations to get involved and actively shape their network.

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Debbie Chennells, Ford Philanthropy Senior Manager and Wolfgang Hennig, former University of Cologne Alumni and active volunteer partner, attended the celebration event. 

Debbie said: “We have a long standing, respected and innovative partnership with the University of Cologne. It has been wonderful to see how the different outreach programs within the University have come together to share plans, discuss joint ideas and develop a comprehensive package of opportunities for all ages under the University for Life umbrella.”

 

Currently within the University for Life, the following project teams exist and collaborate:

  • Digital Literacy: Participation in a Digital World
  • Gateway: More diversity and targeted promotion of the start-up scene
  • JuniorUni: Barrier-free and free educational offers for young people
  • MINT Teacher Training: Supporting Future STEM Teachers
  • pROMPT!: Strengthening Educational Participation and Integration
  • Lecture Series: Education for All Across Generational Boundaries
  • Service Learning: Learning through Community Engagement
  • 1st Generation Students: Program for First-Time Academics
  • Talent scouting: Individual support and encouragement
  • Citizen Science: Interactive Knowledge Transfer and Impulses for Research