New Potentials

Numerous studies have shown that social background has a significant influence on academic success. Students from non-academic homes often have trouble acclimating to the university environment, part-time jobs are usually sought outside the university, the academic habitus remains foreign and the development of networks within academia is often challenging. This has an impact on the success of their studies as well as further professional development.  

This is where the New Potentials Program comes in, to promote the academic success of First Generation Academics and further diversity within the academic environment. The program consists of four components:

• a research assistant position
• mentoring by a Professor
• additionl training
• peer exchange.  

As part of the program, UNIFY funds research assistant positions up to 30 hours per month for a duration of two semesters. Undergraduate students from the second semester onwards who are First Generation Academics are eligible to apply.  

Participating professors become mentors to their research assistants. The terms of the mentoring relationship are devised and agreed upon between mentor and mentee. UNIFY offers program participants a workshop on the topic of successful mentoring before the program begins and provides continuous support in the event of questions.  

If you, as a professor, are interested in mentoring a student in return for a funded research assistant position, we look forward to hearing from you and to receiving a brief letter of motivation explaining why you would like to become a mentor and outlining what mentoring experience you may already have.

There are 10 spots available in the program this year. If there are more applicants than places, mentors with a non-academic background will be prioritized. In addition, we will try to ensure an even distribution across the faculties, if possible. Of course, the availability of an eligible student who has applied to the program is also a prerequisite.  

The program will start in the winter semester 2023/2024. If you have any questions, please contact Annika Werner or Marie-Claire Kabengele.

Contact: 

Dr. Marie-Claire Kabengele
E-Mail: Marie-Claire.Kabengele@uni-heidelberg.de