New Potentials Programme

Studies in educational science show that social background has a significant influence on the course of studies and academic success. Students from non-academic backgrounds often do not really settle in at university, part-time jobs are usually sought outside the university, the university habitus remains alien and the important development of networks within academia is often lacking. This has an impact on both academic success and future career orientation.

Our goal: to promote the academic success of first-generation students and diversity in the academic environment.

Our building blocks

Student assistant position: The programme arranges and finances UNIFY student assistant positions for up to 20 hours per month for a period of one calendar year. Bachelor students from the third semester with a non-academic background can apply.
Mentoring: Participating professors and research assistants become mentors for their student assistants. The structure of the mentoring relationship is decided in an individual agreement between mentor and mentee. UNIFY offers programme participants a short event on successful mentoring before the start of the programme and provides support during the project phase in case of questions.
Peer exchange for tandems and students: The peer exchange offers participating mentors and mentees the opportunity to network with others, share experiences, discuss challenges and support each other.

Further training

We are committed to promoting diversity in the academic environment and offering our participants the best possible support.

Diversity training: Our interactive workshops and discussions enable participants to develop a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. Topics such as cultural diversity, gender equality, etc. are covered in order to promote respectful interaction and sensitise participants to different perspectives.
Job application training: Through practical tips, individual feedback and practice opportunities, participants are supported in optimising their application documents, successfully applying for job advertisements and preparing for job interviews in the best possible way.
Arbeiterkind event: In cooperation with Arbeiterkind e.V., we offer special events for students from non-academic backgrounds. These provide a platform for exchange, mutual support and networking with like-minded people to encourage and inspire participants.
Intercultural Competence Training: The training supports participants in developing their intercultural skills and improving their ability to deal with cultural diversity. Through practical exercises and case studies, we strengthen their intercultural competences to promote an inclusive and diverse community.

Comments on the programme

“The New Potentials programme has a noticeable impact – for the students as well as for us mentors. It opens up new perspectives for students and also gives mentors fresh impetus. Seeing how mentees find their way, deepen their research interests and seize opportunities is very motivating. I'm still in touch with my first mentee – a wonderful sign of how lasting the programme's impact is.”
Dr Ilka Bischofs (Bioquant)

“As a first-generation student, the New Potential Programme helped me understand the often hidden rules of the academic world and strengthen my research skills in a targeted manner. Thanks to the financial support and the dual mentoring system, I was able to gain valuable scientific experience, broaden my horizons and strengthen my motivation to pursue my academic career with commitment.”
Dongzhen W. (Sociology, 4th semester)

“The New Potential Programme offers a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and insights into scientific and academic work. The mentoring in particular has motivated and supported me greatly in my studies and helped me take several steps towards a scientific career.”
Maria Sch. (Sociology, 6th semester)