Eindhoven University of Technology, together with secondary schools (VO) and higher education institutions (HO) in Brabant and Limburg, has signed up for the Education Network South Netherlands: a single VO-HO network that will improve the flow of students into further education and reduce dropout rates. The network will start with STEM subjects (technology and science) and later expand to other subject areas, and will be supported by ASML.
The following will join upon its establishment: the Limburg Education Region, the East Brabant Education Region, the Brainport schools, Eindhoven University of Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Maastricht University (Faculty of Science and Engineering), Tilburg University, and the HAS Green Academy. Other educational institutions, including vocational colleges (MBO), will be able to join at a later stage. With over 200 secondary schools, this will immediately become the largest VO-HO network in the Netherlands.
The Education Network South Netherlands connects teachers from both secondary and higher education levels with the aim of easing the transition of students to higher education. The collaboration is built on three pillars: teacher professional development, curriculum development, and career guidance.
The network will begin with the launch of subject support centers in STEM subjects: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science, with a specific focus on study skills. In these subject support centers, lecturers, teacher trainers, and researchers will collaborate on training, the development of learning materials, and curriculum development, both within secondary and higher education. Specific attention will be paid to underrepresented groups in STEM subjects, such as girls and students with a migration background. The impact of the measures will be monitored through research.
Meeting needs
"We work based on the needs of students, teachers, and secondary schools. This way, we meet their needs as effectively as possible," says Ella Hueting, director of the network and employed at TU/e.
TU/e Rector Silvia Lenaerts: "By joining forces, we ensure that more young people, including girls and students with a migration background, find their way to a technical study program and can be successful there. This is crucial, because our region is urgently in need of technical talent. That is precisely why this network aligns so well with the mission of Beethoven to prepare sufficient technical talent for the Dutch semiconductor sector."
"In the network, we're starting with the integration of STEM subjects. I think it's important that everyone sees that further technical education isn't just for boys or for those who get an A in math," says Ines Lopez Arteaga, Dean of Education at TU/e and professor of mechanical engineering. "By improving collaboration with schools and, for example, offering workshops for students, we're making technology more accessible and attractive to everyone."
Joining forces
"We are thrilled for our staff that the network is being established. Collaborating with colleagues, including those from further education, on educational developments is an excellent approach for both the colleagues involved and the students to achieve even better education," says Eugene Bernard, chairman of the Limburg Secondary Education Foundation.
"By joining forces, we offer students and teachers a wider range of relevant activities. Together we achieve more than any of us could individually," says Thomas Cleij, dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University.
"Especially now that similar bachelor's and master's degree programs are increasingly emerging in higher professional education (HBO) and research universities (WO), it's crucial that every student, from pre-university education (VWO) and senior general secondary education (HAVO), finds a program that matches their ambitions and preferences. Through this network, we strengthen the position of every student in higher professional education (HO) throughout their academic career," says Frens Vonken, director at Fontys ICT.
Step forward
With this network, educational institutions are taking a step forward in training the next generation. This is crucial in a region with high demand for technical talent, such as Brainport, Chemelot, Brightlands, and Midpoint Brabant.
The network is being accelerated with financial support from ASML within the STEM program of ASML's Social Engagement agenda.
"With this contribution, we improve the alignment between secondary and higher education. Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions is essential to jointly build the diverse talent pool society needs, with businesses playing a supportive role in strengthening education," says Janne Dietz, Head of Talent & Education at ASML.
