Talent scouting
Wupper scholarships start seventh funding round with twelve new scholarship holders

The new scholarship holders celebrated their acceptance with former participants, the talent scouting team and other guests on the Freudenberg campus // Photo Friederike von Heyden
The Wupper Scholarships are part of the talent scouting programme of the central student guidance and counselling services of the University of Wuppertal and are aimed at committed young people regardless of their social background. Since its introduction in 2019, the programme has supported talented pupils from the region on their path to training or studies.
Prof Dr Susanne Buch, Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching, greeted the new scholarship holders with a warm welcome address. She made reference to a poem by a former scholarship holder, which had been recited at an earlier reception ceremony. A text that told of new beginnings and the power of new paths. Two harp pieces provided the musical framework for the event, lending it a special atmosphere. In a short speech, Prof. Dr Bilal Gökce, holder of the Chair of Materials for Additive Manufacturing, emphasised the social relevance of targeted educational support: "If we give young people not only knowledge but also confidence, real development is created. Programmes such as the Wupper Scholarships make an indispensable contribution here."
The cabaret play entitled "Notbremse" (Emergency Brake) by Paul Kober attracted particular attention. The graduate of the Velbert-Mitte comprehensive school was officially dismissed from the Wupper Scholarship Programme during the event.
The awarding of certificates to the newly accepted scholarship holders was the highlight of the afternoon. The young talents were recognised for their commitment and achievements with much applause. The farewell to the previous scholarship holders was also accompanied by recognition and personal words.
About the Wupper Scholarships
Since its foundation in 2019, the "Wupper Scholarships" scholarship programme has been supporting talented and committed students from the region as part of the talent scouting programme of the University of Wuppertal and giving them the opportunity for personal and academic development. Over the past five years, 50 scholarship holders have benefited from the programme, which includes not only financial support but also a comprehensive mentoring and educational programme. The material support programme provides needs-based funding for material and educational expenses. The non-material support enables participation in personal development and subject-specific workshops as well as cultural events.
Funding and funding opportunities
The sponsors of the Wupper Scholarship Programme include the Rotary Club Wuppertal-Süd, the Dr Werner Jackstädt Foundation, the Soroptimist International Club Bergisch-Land/Wuppertal, the Rotary Club Wuppertal and the Brigitte and Peter vom Hemdt Foundation. "I would like to thank everyone who supports the programme. Every donation goes directly to our scholarship holders," says Milica Zajac, programme coordinator of the Wupper Scholarships. "You are giving young people new opportunities. We would be delighted if even more scholarship holders would join us on this path."
Information on the Wupper Scholarships and NRW Talent Scouting can be found at www.talentscouting.uni-wuppertal.de and www.nrw-talentzentrum.de.
The University's Foundation and Cooperation Management team provides information on how to donate on its website.