Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw)

The Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw) is a non-profit educational foundation of the German economy dedicated to the individual support of young people at all stages of their educational and professional biographies. Under the umbrella of sdw gGmbH, it consolidates programs such as Studienkompass, the Klaus Murmann Study Support Foundation, NicK – Nachwuchsinitiative chancengerechte Kitas, markt. medien. machen, and the Hans-Weisser Scholarship. In cooperation with partners from business, associations, and public institutions, the sdw combines idealistic support, mentoring, networking, and financial assistance (funded, among others, by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) to promote equal opportunities, initiative, entrepreneurial spirit, and social responsibility.

With the vision "We create opportunities!" sdw aims to build a society in which all young people can realize their potential. It stands for initiative, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment, and social responsibility. sdw supports motivated young individuals at crucial stages of the educational pathway—both individually and in large numbers—and forges alliances with companies, associations, foundations, and public institutions. Leadership in quality youth development, sustainable action, diversity, openness to the world, and the fight against all forms of discrimination are central elements of its mission.

The sdw directs its funding programs towards motivated and committed young people in Germany: secondary school students in upper secondary education, apprentices, students of all disciplines, as well as young professionals. The prerequisites are entrepreneurial thinking and action, social engagement, and the willingness to actively shape one's own educational and career path. The programs address both first-time university students and young talents in vocational training, relying on ideological support, mentoring, and financial assistance to promote equal opportunities.