Bechtle foundation creates scholarship for girls and women in IT

Participants to receive up to 15 years of mentorship

The Bechtle foundation has launched its first scholarship programme, Female Upgreat (FEAT), to provide girls and women in IT with long-term support and sponsorship.

The new initiative will be available to school pupils, vocational trainees, university students, career starters, professionals, and leaders.

Currently, the foundation is only accepting applications from the first three groups, as it wants to make an early impact on young girls.

The new scheme will expand to the other forementioned groups next year.

Already available in Germany, FEAT is set to open in other European locations soon.

The scheme will include various activities, from career orientation to career management, in a move to offer women opportunities such as networking events, cross-generational mentoring, hands-on training, and financial support.

Entry requirements include a high level of individual commitment, a passionate drive, and strong communication skills.

Even though excellent academic or professional performance is a key selection criterion, remarkable social engagement may also tip the scales in an applicant’s favour.

The selection process will include the submission of application documents and a digital assessment.

“After that, we ask applicants to answer three questions about their motivation and personal strengths, and university students will also be invited to a subsequent video interview,” said Verena Eberler, funding programme specialist at FEAT.

After completion of the programme, alumni will be able to become part of a network where they can stay connected with a strong community to pass on their experiences and knowledge to younger generations.

“While 70 per cent of female pupils show an interest in IT and related fields in school, only seven per cent go on to pursue a career in IT,” explained Julia Loza Roger, MD of the Bechtle foundation.

“Women account for just 20 per cent of students in informatics university programmes.

“That’s why it is so important to provide girls and women with targeted support early in their education, enabling them to discover and develop their individual interests and talents.”

Each sponsorship is limited to a maximum duration of 15 years and will be reviewed regularly to ensure continued eligibility.

The scheme is being implemented in close collaboration with the Gerhard and Ilse Schick foundation.

Launched in May 2022, the foundation named after Bechtle’s co-founder and his wife pursues charitable causes.

Their daughter, Karin Schick, leads the benevolent institution and is the patron of FEAT.

“As one of the few women on the executive board of a major German IT company, I know firsthand the challenging path to top management and the vital role of support and encouragement along the way,” said Schick.

“That is why FEAT is so close to my heart.”

The programme also offers access to a strong network, close monitoring by female role models in IT, as well as coaching and hands-on training opportunities.

Participants may also receive financial support for literature, tools, conference fees, or as a living stipend if necessary.

The Antje Leminsky, COO at Bechtle and sponsor of FEAT added: “European organisations with gender-diverse leadership teams are more than 60 per cent more likely to achieve above-average profitability.”

Founded in June 2024, this is the first scholarship initiative launched by the foundation.