The funding project aiming at promoting the integration of international students in the wir4 region is entering its next phase with a new name: „SINArsis“ is becoming „STAY2GROW – Regional opportunities for international students“.The new project name sums up its central goal: to encourage and enable international students and those who have dropped out of university to stay in the region and develop professionally and personally here – while at the same time supporting companies in times of skilled labour shortages to rely further on international professionals.

STAY2GROW: The name says it all
The previous title of the project – ‘Securing young talent through regional social integration of international students in business and urban society’ – has been replaced with a clear and more memorable name: STAY2GROW. Since the beginning of the year, the project has been funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the federal competition ‘Zukunft Region’ (‘Future Region’). STAY2GROW aims to integrate international students and university dropouts into the region holistically, opening up concrete future prospects for them in both their professional and social lives. At the same time, the project wants to keep young, qualified professionals in the region.

The goal: Strengthen integration, retain professionals
The project aims to establish networks and, in collaboration with old and new local and regional partners, develop measures to help international students gain a foothold in the region. This includes:

• Promoting social integration and networking among students and the local population through cultural, sporting and voluntary activities
• Supporting young people as they start their careers or transition into vocational training; facilitating access to companies in the region
• Services for companies interested in employing international students and graduates as professionals

Current: Survey of needs among students and companies
In order to develop suitable and concrete measures, the needs and expectations of the target groups are currently being surveyed. An online company survey is currently underway, and moderated group discussions with international students and company representatives will follow in July. The focus on the part of the students is, for example, on the challenges and wishes for integration into society and the economy in the region, while for companies it is, among other things, their need for skilled workers and their experiences with employing international students.

Outlook: Public presentation of results in October
The initial findings of the study will be presented at a public event at the end of October. All interested parties – students, businesses, civil society organisations and citizens – are invited to attend. At the same time, the second phase of the project will be launched, with the aim of jointly developing concrete, practical measures.

STAY2GROW thrives on regional cooperation
The success of the project – and the prospect of further funding – depends largely on a strong, sustainable network of regional stakeholders. Companies, associations and initiatives that are interested in participating in the project are welcome to get in touch.

Would you like to get involved, share ideas or become a partner?
Then please contact project manager Jasmin Frischemeier:
j.frischemeier@wir4.net