Support program for FINTA with a non-academic background
With the Agnes-Mackensen-Program, we strengthen the self-efficacy of first-generation academics and promote their leadership skills and personal development. In doing so, we are intertwining the diversity dimensions of gender and social origin and are thereby raising TUM-wide awareness.The program is named after the first woman to study at TUM, who obtained a diploma in 1915 and is therefore considered the first graduate (and beyond that did not have an academic family background!).
The target group of the Agnes-Mackensen-Program are FINTA* with a non-academic background and thus addresses women, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people whose parents have not studied. Mentees can be FINTA* people who are studying or who are academics (PhD candidates / postdocs).
This year we are opening our program and look forward to welcoming care leaver.
Part of the program is our cooperation with Avanade, which enables our program participants to apply for an exclusive Avanade STEM Scholarship of 1.800€ per person. 10 scholarships are awarded per cohort.
After a successful pilot phase in 2024 and the Agnes Mackensen Program receiving the Impact of Diversity Award in the “University” category, we are now looking forward to continuing the program with a new cohort in 2025.
Impressions from our mentoring kick-off event
f.l.t.r.: Judith Wallner, industry partner from Dassault Systèmes, Senior Vice President for Talent Management & Diversity Prof. Claudia Peus, head of Staff Unit Diversity Dr. Alina Gales, initiator Impact of Diversity Barbara Lutz
photo credit: Astrid Eckert
"We cannot simply accept the fact that so many talented individuals are currently still not able to unleash their full individual potential. The social divide in the German educational system is unfortunately very large, and both those affected and we as a society suffer greatly because of it. We at TUM are therefore taking up the task and working to tangibly improve the situation."
Patroness
Prof. Dr. Claudia Peus
Senior Vice President for Talent Management & Diversity
"As a first-generation student, I felt insecure and out of place at the beginning of my studies. A lot of things other people take for granted were new territory for me. Exchanging with other first-generation students together with a shared community are therefore extremely helpful."
Ambassador
Julia Eichinger
TUM Alumna in Health Science – Prevention and Health Promotion, TUM School of Medicine & Health
Background information
The German education system is characterized by a high level of social selectivity – yet, we need talent in all its diversity. Children from non-academic backgrounds, i.e. without a parent with an academic degree, have lower participation rates and higher dropout rates at all levels.
At the same time, women are still a minority in STEM (sciences, technology, engineering & mathemathics subjects) and also underrepresented with increasing hierarchies of academic levels. This also has an impact on their share in leadership positions and in building start-ups.
Aim of the program
The Agnes-Mackensen-Program aims to counteract the lack of equal opportunities for women* with a non-academic background and to increase their proportion among graduates in order to lay the foundation for later work as a start-up founder, scientist or leader of the future and thus strengthen innovation in science, business and society.
Details of the program
Program start: winter semester 2024/25
We start with the kick-off event on December 10, 2024 at 5 p.m. in the Vorhoelzer Forum on TUM main campus.
- Mentorship
Our mentoring is understood as an offer of individual advice and trustworthy support. Your mentor can help you gain self-confidence and make future-oriented decisions. Through the exchange with mentors, mentees not only receive practical knowledge, but also inspiration and encouragement to achieve their goals. Mentoring provides a sense of belonging and creates a platform for knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to personal growth, improved performance and a stronger sense of community. - Networking
First-generation female students and academics in particular often do not have a network for starting and developing their own career. At regular networking meetings, mentees and mentors can network with each other and thus contribute to strengthening the community of first-generation female academics. These networking meetings are supplemented by keynote speeches from inspiring role models. - Workshops
Various soft skill workshops are offered with the aim of increasing the self-efficacy of first-generation female students and academics by developing their personal, entrepreneurial and academic skills. The focus is on offerings that support program participants in actively pursuing their goals and gaining confidence in their own abilities. Details of the workshop program will follow shortly.
"During my bachelor's degree, I often thought that I was alone with my difficulties and doubts in my studies, especially since knowledge about university is simply not a given for me. Through the Agnes Mackensen Program, I realized that there is a space for my experiences and circumstances as a first generation academic where I and my very special abilities are seen."
Ambassador
Anna Lena Salfer
Master Student in Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology (RESET), TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology
The target group of the Agnes-Mackensen-Program are FINTA* with a non-academic background and thus addresses women, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people whose parents have not studied. Mentees can be FINTA* people who are studying or who are academics (PhD candidates / postdocs). With cohort 2025, we are pleased to open our program to all care leaver.
"I felt like I didn’t belong in an academic environment. I think I would have felt more at ease and more self-assured if I had someone who said: you belong here, you are going to be fine!"
Ambassador
Prof. Donna Ankerst Ph.D.
Vice Dean Talent Management & Diversity, Professorship in Biostatistics, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology
Mentors can be people of all genders (preferred but not mandatory) with a non-academic background across all academic levels (master’s and bachelor’s students in higher semesters, PhD candidates, postdocs, scientists, academics, professors).
We see the mentors as "role models at eye level": On the one hand, they can convey a sense of belonging to the participating first-time academics on an empathetic level; on the other hand, they know at best both the TUM and the German university system and can pass on differentiated information, explain processes and academic specifities in an approachable way.
