Awakening enthusiasm for natural sciences and technology and establishing networks in schools, daycare centers and universities across the country - the MINT strategy of the Rhineland-Palatinate state government started with this goal in 2016. MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. This is what has been achieved in the past ten years:
What is the strategy about?
The plan was formulated to strengthen MINT education along the entire education chain: from daycare centers to universities. Children and young people, especially girls and young women, should be inspired early and sustainably about mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology and, if possible, maintain their interest right up to the choice of training, study and career.
Who had the idea?
The driving force behind the start is the then and long-standing Education Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD), who launched the “Round Table MINT” in November 2016. MINT regions should be developed in which, in addition to schools and universities, research institutes, companies, associations and clubs coordinate their activities to promote young talent.
How many MINT regions are there in Rhineland-Palatinate?
Eleven MINT regions and 23 regional MINT projects, a comprehensive network of regional sponsors that covers all districts and independent cities, and the Rhineland-Palatinate MINT hub have been created in the past ten years.
A total of over 400 partners across the country, such as universities, municipalities, makerspaces, student research centers or associations and chambers, cooperate with schools. According to the Ministry of Education, over 30,000 young people were reached with their MINT offerings.
Do schools in the country have a special MINT profile?
Through the national initiative “Creating a MINT future!” Schools can be certified as “MINT-friendly schools”. The certificates are each valid for three years. Since 2011, 147 schools in Rhineland-Palatinate have had an award as a “MINT-friendly school”.
21 high schools in Rhineland-Palatinate are also part of the MINT-EC school network. The aim is to get students excited about mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology and to encourage them to do so.
The Association of Mathematical and Scientific Excellence Centers in Schools (MINT-EC) is a non-profit association based in Berlin. It was founded in 2000 on the initiative of the Federal Association of Employers' Associations (BDA), and since 2009 it has been under the patronage of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs.
Are there enough teachers for MINT subjects in Rhineland-Palatinate?
The 21,883 full-time teachers at high schools, integrated comprehensive schools and secondary schools plus have 11,592 teaching qualifications in a MINT subject.
According to the Ministry of Education, there are also subjects in which more teachers would be desirable: computer science and physics are currently among the required subjects for which lateral entry into both secondary school teaching and teaching at secondary schools plus has been advertised.
Are there enough female teachers?
With 6,516 female teachers, the proportion of female teachers for STEM teaching is over 56 percent. But there are also noticeable differences between the subjects: in computer science (29 percent), physics (34 percent) and technology and natural sciences (37 percent) the proportion of female teachers is below average.
Are more boys than girls interested in STEM subjects?
Even if the inclinations are not always distributed at the same level, according to the Ministry of Education, the proportion of girls in MINT subjects is increasing both in high schools and in universities.
According to the IQB education trend, girls on average achieve a higher level of competence in the natural sciences than boys, but often rate their own competences worse than boys. Despite some better academic performance, they were still less likely to choose to study or train in the MINT area.
What is important with regard to studies and career?
In order to attract more girls and young women to mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, we need an early approach, female role models and practical projects that highlight the social benefits of technical and digital innovations, Rhineland-Palatinate entrepreneurs repeatedly emphasize. The MINT subjects are the basis for numerous careers in technology and innovation.
How much money has the state invested in MINT funding?
From 2016 to the end of 2025, around 4.4 million euros, including over 3 million euros in state funds, were invested in MINT projects and support measures.
This year, the cooperating ministries of education, science, economics, the environment and women are supporting regional network structures and local projects in the “Development and expansion of MINT regions and projects” funding competition with a total funding amount of around 210,000 euros.
In 2026, funds amounting to 300,000 euros are also earmarked in the Ministry of Education's budget for MINT funding, which will be used to finance the nationwide support offers for daycare centers and schools.
