The agreement provides for close, ongoing cooperation, including regular meetings to further develop joint projects. A wide range of study orientation programmes have already been established - from information presentations and workshops to university visits. This process is supported by self-assessments (online-based or paper-based tests that pupils can use to get an idea of their own interests, abilities, strengths and professional or academic aptitudes), which are carried out and evaluated together with student counsellor Diana Bartnik. In this way, sixth form students are continuously supported in their orientation process.

Christiane Lagers, who is also the school district coordinator for the Mettmann district (Secondary II), is responsible for the internal coordination of the cooperation. For Dr Christine Hummel, Head of Central Student Guidance and Counselling Services at the University of Wuppertal, personal, reliable contact with teachers is the key to successful cooperation - an impression that Christiane Lagers also confirms. In future, Principal Aust wants to focus on promoting exceptionally high-performing students in the "Exzellent starten" programme, the early study programme at the University of Wuppertal.

Vice-rector Susanne Buch emphasised the mutual benefits of the partnership that arise from the joint exchange. For example, it is possible for the university's partner schools to participate in special programmes and cooperate with academics at the University of Wuppertal. "Everyone benefits from the expansion of cooperative relationships between the schools in the region and the university of Wuppertal," emphasises Prof. Buch. "We have therefore created a position to coordinate contacts between schools and our university. Resi Heitwerth is the contact person for all ideas and concerns that help to further intensify the exchange between us and our partner schools."

The cooperation agreement with the Nikolas-Ehlen-Gymnasium is the University of Wuppertal's 14th in the area of study orientation.