University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol As Network Partner Part of the New MINT Quality Label
A total of 14 STEM regions in Austria received the MINT award, which stands for an excellent range of services in the fields of mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology (STEM). The award was presented by the cooperation partners Austria Wirtschaftsservce (Austria Economic Service, aws), the Federation of Austrian Industries, the MINTality Foundation, and the Austrian Education Agency OeAD. The proud winners from Tyrol include the MINT region KUUSK, MINT Oberland, and MINT East Tirol.
The MINT network
The STEM network in the KUUSK region currently includes educational institutions from compulsory schooling to higher education, social partners, municipalities, local marketing organizations, local businesses, and various project sponsors and supporters. Prof. (FH) Dr. Mario Döller, Rector of the University of Applied Sciences (FH) Kufstein Tirol: "With its technical and business administration courses, FH Kufstein Tirol makes an important contribution to promoting STEM skills – not only through innovative and creative teaching and research that sets standards for future developments in business and science but also through a wide range of workshops in the STEM field and various business idea competitions for secondary schools." The network partners of the KUUSK STEM regions include several schools as well as the KUUSK Regional Management, FH Kufstein Tirol, Tyrolean Vocational School for Trade and Office (TFBS) Kufstein, the Kufstein Chamber of Commerce, Municipal Utilities Kufstein, kufgem, the Apprentice Academy, Sparkasse Kufstein, Innovation Room Kufstein eGen, 2flow, STIHL, 3CON, and Sandoz.
Promoting the entire education chain
"The MINT Regions Quality Label award underlines our joint commitment to future-oriented education in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology," emphasized Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research. "This pioneering initiative not only strengthens local communities but also lays the foundation for innovation and a competitive society." Tanja Rehberger, project manager of the KUUSK regional management, emphasized the goal of creating a comprehensive and gender-neutral STEM offering that covers all types of schools.
Specific offers from the region
Numerous exemplary programs enrich the MINT region KUUSK. These include Acker Racker in Langkampfen and Kufstein, FH4schools, and the Kostbares KUUSK project.
FH4schools
As part of the fh4schools program, the FH Kufstein Tirol offers various activities for lower school students (six to 14-year-olds). These include the Long Night of Research, programming from the Kufstein Library for Science and Leisure (kubi), and the Kufstein Holiday Express. Every two years, the Long Night of Research transforms the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol campus into a showcase for the latest technologies and research areas from Kufstein and the surrounding area. Many exhibits offer a special program for children and young people. In addition to regular readings on various topics, kubi also offers age-appropriate introductory courses on search engines and databases, as well as workshops on literature research. The FH Kufstein Tirol organizes exciting and informative workshops as part of the vacation express offer from the town of Kufstein to give children a practical understanding of science and research topics during the vacation season.