MINT kidz Partners

Our primary goals are to increase the number of young children involved in STEM, while simultaneously dismantling the economic and social obstacles that limit their access to high-quality learning experiences. We are committed to fostering a future where the gender gap in STEM is significantly reduced and minority groups are proportionally represented, ensuring a more diverse and vibrant STEM community from the ground up. To achieve this, we will emphasize showing children what actual STEM jobs look like, providing access to company environments, and making the real-world applications of STEM clear and engaging, thus inspiring them to pursue STEM careers.

Switzerland is confronted with a critical challenge: a declining number of students opting to pursue studies and internships in STEM fields. This trend has significant implications for the nation's future economic prosperity and innovation capacity. A shortfall in domestic STEM talent could hinder advancements in key sectors like engineering, computer science, and medical technology, forcing a greater reliance on international recruitment. This reliance on foreign talent can have complex consequences for the long-term development of Switzerland's workforce and its ability to maintain a leading position in technology-driven industries. Addressing this challenge requires proactive measures to cultivate a stronger interest in STEM among young people and ensure a robust pipeline of future STEM professionals

Switzerland's shortage of skilled STEM/tech workers poses a significant threat. This skills gap stifles innovation, slows economic growth, and forces businesses to seek talent abroad, weakening the domestic workforce. Key sectors like engineering, IT, and med-tech are heavily impacted. Failure to address this problem will erode Switzerland's global competitiveness and hinder its ability to lead in future technologies. Investing in early STEM education is crucial to secure a prosperous economic future

Our approach centers on organizing free of charge, high-quality STEM workshops for children in needs (supported by Kulturlegi and AOZ) in collaboration with companies. Little Scientists assumes comprehensive responsibility for the workshops' execution, managing all logistical and educational aspects. This includes the crucial tasks of identifying and registering student participants, meticulously designing engaging and age-appropriate STEM activities, and ensuring the availability of all necessary materials. To facilitate smooth workshop operation, companies contribute by providing volunteers, ideally a mix of employees and student interns, who are then trained by Little Scientists to serve as effective mentors, guiding and supporting the children throughout the learning experience.

Infosys, Sunrise, Cellnex, ETH

For Children: The project makes careers in STEM understandable and exciting by providing hands-on experiences and direct interaction with companies. It showcases real-world applications of STEM, clarifies potential job opportunities, and makes the professional world more accessible. For Companies: The project offers a platform to enhance their visibility and highlight STEM-related opportunities within their organization. By engaging with children and providing mentors, companies actively contribute to community outreach and improve their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Furthermore, companies can receive valuable data on their participation and impact, which can be incorporated into internal ESG documentation and reporting. For the STEM Ecosystem: The project cultivates a stronger connection between education and industry, fostering a talent pipeline and addressing the skills gap. It promotes a more engaged and informed future workforce.

MINT KidZ Partners distinguishes itself by providing companies with a unique opportunity for corporate engagement through volunteering and team-building, creating a lasting positive impact on children's lives. The project emphasizes hands-on, interactive learning, allowing children to directly apply what they learn and fostering deeper understanding. It promotes collaboration with universities, museums, and start-ups to showcase the real-world applications of STEM and inspire students. MINT KidZ Partners offers customizable programs, tailoring workshops to align with a company's expertise and objectives. The project has a proven track record, with successful workshops organized in collaboration with companies like Cellnex, Verkerhaus, Google, Sunrise, and Infosys