COVID-19 series: Germany - Learning to code remotely via ZDI networks in Nordrhine-Westfalia

Zukunft Durch Innovation (ZDI) is the regional STEM platform in the North Rhine-Westfalia, a state in the west of Germany with a total population of 18 million people backed at regional level by three ministries. ZDI focuses on inspiring young people to choose STEM careers, ensuring the availability of sufficient STEM teachers and introduce young people to socially relevant topcis related to technology at a young age.

ZDI's objectives implemented through ZDI networks. A ZDI Network – also referred to as a ZDI Centre – is a regional partnership of players from politics, schools, universities, enterprises and other partners involved in education who wish to foster young people’s skills in STEM fields. Each ZDI Network is different and tailored to the specific requirements of its region.

Equipped with a camera and microphone, young people can continue to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular vocational and study-oriented measures offered by the ZDI-networks. These include new initiatives launched in response to the pandemic. For example, the ZDI Network based in Cologne offers introductory webcourses tailored to young people focused on app development, the programming language scratch and webdesign (see link above).

For more information about the activities of individual ZDI Networks please visit the ZDI website or contact us directly.