New Campaign #RWTHhilft Launched

Let’s stick together – despite the need for distance – and be there for one another. RWTH with its citizens' forum RWTHextern, sponsoring association Förderverein proRWTH e. V., and AStA Students’ Committee have jointly initiated a relief action to support students put at a disadvantage by the Corona crisis. The idea of "#RWTHhilft" emerged in several areas at the University, based on the wish of RWTH members to contribute financial support. "We feel a strong sense of solidarity and engagement, which is great, and we want to make a difference together," explains Rector of RWTH Aachen University, Ulrich Rüdiger.

The Freunde und Förderer von proRWTH are initially providing a budget of 30,000 euros for bridging scholarships from a special fund. In addition, they are now launching a fundraising campaign.
"We have many talented students here at RWTH Aachen University. Some are now in a difficult situation because the pandemic has broken their financial basis for successfully studying in the summer semester. We want to help these students with a bridging scholarship," explains Professor Ernst Schmachtenberg, chair of the board of proRWTH.

Initially, support will be given to students who, for example, cannot participate in the "online semester" due to a lack of equipment or who find it difficult to do so and would therefore be put at a disadvantage. When they receive the students’ applications, the Social Committee of the Students' Parliament will assess the need for funding and organize the distribution and disbursement of the funds together with proRWTH.

"The Corona Crisis poses challenges and significant problems for all students. They need a sense of security in their future planning in order to be able to properly continue their studies," says Marc Gschlössl, chair of AStA Students’ Committee.

The #RWTHhilft campaign provides fast and direct support. "This initiative comes from the very heart of RWTH and has already been very well received. The instructors, other employees, friends, and sponsors are there for the students – in teaching and beyond," reports Professor Astrid Rosenthal-von der Pütten, Rector's Delegate for the RWTHextern Citizens' Forum.

Those who would like to support and donate can transfer a donation with the reference "Bridging Scholarship" to the Förderverein proRWTH e.V.

The bank account details for donations are:

Freunde und Förderer der RWTH Aachen e.V. | proRWTH
IBAN: DE36 3905 0000 0000 0159 41
BIC: AACSDE33