POWERst Toolbox

The POWERst Toolbox provides university employees and teaching staff with information packages to actively support current and prospective first-generation.

About the POWERst Toolbox

The POWERst Toolbox provides you, as university employees and teaching staff, with information on topics that are particularly relevant for current and prospective students from non-academic backgrounds.

As university employees and teaching staff, you are typically the first and most important contact persons for students. The information provided here is intended to support you in providing quick and targeted support to first-generation students. In most of the cases, a big step is already taken by referring the students to existing university services.

On the following pages you can find information to actively support current and prospective first-generation students and thus contribute to a more inclusive learning environment.

Social Disparities in Higher Education

Throughout Europe, social background influences young people's decision to study as well as their educational success. Find out more about the existing social inequality in the education system.

Prospective students

Thorough orientation when choosing a study program is the gateway to the academic world.

Getting started at university

The start at the university and the beginning of studies are crucial for a successful course of studies.

Study financing

Financial support oftentimes provides the existential foundation for first-generation students.

Student networks

New contacts and participation in university life are crucial for a sense of belonging.

Going abroad

Spending time abroad during one’s studies has an impact on the personal development and professional future.

Career entry

Students can already set a course for their future careers during their studies.

Important contacts for students

Throughout their studies, students might be confronted with difficult life situations. However, students don’t have to face these challenges on their own, as the University of Stuttgart offers a variety of support services.

Classism

Classism and discrimination affect first-generation students in the academic context as much as in other contexts. In this resource, you will learn where and in what form classism may be found in the education system, how you yourself can avoid classist tendencies, and how you can provide targeted support to students.

Habitus and Habitus Sensitivity in Higher Education

Our behavior and our appearance play a significant role in how others perceive us. They are largely predetermined by our social background and socialization. In this resource packet, you will learn more about habitus and habitus sensitivity and how they may affect first-generation students in the higher education context.

Imposter Syndrome

Do your students or yourself sometimes feel misplaced at university? This resource, provides you with essential information and tips on how to deal with the Imposter Syndrome.

Tips for teaching staff

An inclusive design of university teaching, in terms of the diversity dimension of social origin, may have a positive impact on the well-being and the prospects of first-generation students.

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