The German Society for Mentoring (DGM) praises the Hertie School’s programme for fostering an inclusive academic environment with an individualised and structured mentoring process.
The Hertie School’s 1st-Generation Mentoring Programme is now certified by the German Society for Mentoring (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mentoring, DGM). The certification recognises the programme’s excellence in fostering an inclusive academic environment and underscores the institution’s commitment to promoting the social mobility of students whose parents did not attend university.
“The certification by the German Society for Mentoring recognises our commitment to fostering social mobility and supporting first-generation students on their academic and professional journeys,” says Cornelia Woll, President of the Hertie School. “We are grateful for this recognition, and it encourages us to continue working toward equal opportunities in higher education.”
Mentoring programme makes valuable contribution to promoting equal opportunities
DGM, a non-profit organisation that aims to develop and ensure quality standards in mentoring, praised the Hertie School’s 1st-Generation Mentoring Programme for creating a safe space for students to exchange with mentors from the Hertie community. The society highlighted the programme’s individualised and structured mentoring process, its strong institutional anchoring and its clear target group orientation and commitment to diversity and social justice.
“The programme makes a valuable contribution to promoting equal opportunities,” DGM’s Academic Advisory Board writes in their assessment. “We unconditionally recommend this certification and express our appreciation to the dedicated team and their sustained programme work.”
About the mentoring programme
The Hertie School 1st-Generation Mentoring Programme was launched in 2021 under the leadership of Acting President Mark Hallerberg. It pairs first-generation students with members of our faculty and postdoctoral and PhD researchers as mentors. Mentors provide the students with personalised guidance, academic support, and insights into the professional world, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive academically and professionally. The programme also offers access to training opportunities and workshops, and provides a platform for community building and peer exchange.
In 2023, the programme was recognised as a finalist in the “University Award” category at the German Impact of Diversity Awards.
To learn more about the programme and its benefits for mentees and mentors, watch our video below and see our youtube channel for interviews with participants of the programme.
For more information about the 1st-Generation Mentoring Programme, visit our webpage or contact the programme coordinator at DEI[at]hertie-school[dot]org.