Makerspace for students: Focus on technology without math fear!

Makerspace for students: Focus on technology without math fear!

In recent years the number of new students in mechanical engineering has fallen sharply. This requires urgent action in order not to endanger the region's prosperity. A notable initiative in this context is the M3+ Initiative, which was launched by the KSB Foundation in 2023. The focus is on promoting young talent and enthusiasm for technical careers.

A central element of this initiative is a school pilot project that is being carried out in the metropolitan region with four secondary schools. Two schools on each side of the Rhine will be included. The findings and results of these pilot schools will be incorporated into the future work of the network, which consists of representatives from foundations, business, universities, schools and associations. This exchange is important in order to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges in mechanical engineering.

The makerspace as a place of innovation

In order to get students excited about technology, a so-called “Makerspace” was set up at the Johanna-Geissmar-Gymnasium (JGG) in Mannheim. Here, students should be given the opportunity to tinker and experiment independently. The initiative is supported by the M3+ Initiative and the foundation of the Frankenthal pump and valve specialist KSB. The aim is to inspire a new generation of engineers and make it easier for them to access STEM subjects.

The Makerspace project is a direct response to the declining trend in mechanical engineering studies. It teaches students practical skills and encourages creative thinking, which is essential in today's technological world. By actively participating in projects, students will develop a better understanding of technical issues while breaking down barriers often associated with STEM subjects.

Together into the future

The M3+ initiative pursues two main strategies. In addition to setting up the steering group to structurally address the challenges in mechanical engineering, another focus is on the continuous expansion of the network. The initiative aims to regularly exchange experiences and insights in order to provide educational opportunities for other institutions in the metropolitan region. The aim is to create a permanent platform that not only promotes mechanical engineering, but also other technical disciplines and sustainably increases interest in MINT subjects.

Overall, the commitment of the KSB Foundation and the schools shows how important innovative approaches in education are in order to meet the challenges in mechanical engineering. Projects like the Makerspace set the course for the future so that young talents have the opportunity to discover and develop their passion for technology.

For more information about the initiative, please visit the website KSB Foundation or read the article at Rhine Palatinate.