MINT seal of approval: Austria's schools certified for the future!

MINT seal of approval: Austria's schools certified for the future!

On June 3, 2025, the time had come again: The Mint Gala 2025 took place in the festive framework of the House of Industry in Vienna, where numerous educational institutions were awarded for their outstanding achievements. The MINT seal of approval, an important initiative of the Ministry of Education, the Industrial Association, the Knowledge Factory Austria and the University of Education in Vienna, is awarded at schools and kindergartens that implement particularly innovative educational projects in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. Arf reports that a total of 61 educational institutions in Austria received the seal of approval for the years 2022 to 2025.

Education Minister Christoph Return handed over the certificates in a solemn atmosphere, supported by greats such as Georg Knill, the President of the Industrial Association, and Norbert Kraker, Vice Rector of PH Vienna. It was emphasized how important STEM skills are at a time that brings both technological challenges as well as ecological and economic questions.

A look at the MINT initiatives

The initiative aims to create a broad educational offer that awakens the curiosity of young people for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. According to the Ministry of Education, there is already every tenth school in Austria that bears the MINT seal of approval. For the next tender, which runs until January 31, 2025, applications on the website Mintschule.at are possible. Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, emphasized that funding is particularly important for young women. BMB points out that MINT competencies are decisive in order to cope with the challenges of the 21st century, for example in connection with digitization and climate change.

In addition to the awarding of the schools, the role of innovative teachers was emphasized. "You are essential for successful MINT lessons," emphasized the Vice Rector of the PH Vienna, Evelyn Süss-Stepancik. She also announced the introduction of a MINT coaching online course in order to further train the teachers: inside this important discipline. Another step into the future is the introduction of the mandatory object "digital basic education" in secondary level 1 from the coming school year.

MINT formation as a key to the future

The need for well-trained MINT specialists is high. IV President Knill emphasized that MINT training is not only crucial for the economy, but also for the promotion of democratic values ​​and the active participation of young people in society. Almost 500 educational institutions with MINT seal of approval work to counteract scenic skepticism and implement innovative teaching methods. IV emphasizes that the quality of education is to be further improved.

This commitment to MINT formation shows a clear direction: it is time to invest in the future and to prepare the next generation best for the challenges of tomorrow. In a world that changes rapidly, the MINT skills are very popular as key qualifications. A good hand in education can be crucial here.