Bechtle foundation launches sponsorship programme for women in IT

• Female Upgreat (FEAT) empowers women in IT with tailored initiatives 
• Sustainable, long-term development in leadership and specialist roles 

Neckarsulm, 20 November 2024 – Founded in June 2024, Bechtle Stiftung gGmbH (Bechtle foundation) has launched its first scholarship programme, Female Upgreat (FEAT), designed to provide long-term support and sponsorship for girls and women in IT. Aimed at school pupils, vocational trainees, and university students, as well as career starters, professionals, and leaders, the programme spans activities from career orientation to career management, offering opportunities such as networking events, cross-generational mentoring, hands-on training, and financial support. The goal is to inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in IT, guide them for up to 15 years as they progress into specialist and leadership roles, and support their continued development along the way. The programme is being implemented in close collaboration with the Gerhard and Ilse Schick Foundation.  

“While 70 per cent of female pupils show an interest in IT and related fields in school, only seven per cent go on to pursue a career in IT. Women account for just 20 per cent of students in informatics university programmes. That’s why it is so important to provide girls and women with targeted support early in their education, enabling them to discover and develop their individual interests and talents,” explains Julia Loza Roger, Managing Director of Bechtle Stiftung gGmbH. With a degree in organisational psychology, Ms Roger, along with Verena Eberler, who also transitioned to the foundation from Bechtle’s people development department, is committed to bringing more women into impactful and equitable roles within IT. “At present, women remain significantly underrepresented in our industry. In German IT companies, they make up only 18 per cent of the workforce, and just 22 per cent of leadership roles are held by women,” adds Julia Loza Roger.

Support tailored to each stage of life

Besides long-term guidance and support, the initial programme offers access to a strong network, close monitoring by female role models in IT, as well as coaching and hands-on training opportunities. Participants may also receive financial support, for example, for literature, tools, conference fees, or, if needed, as a living stipend. FEAT is currently open to girls and women across Germany, with plans to expand across Europe. “With comprehensive support that aligns with each stage of the participants’ lives, we aim to promote equity and, in turn, a more diverse future,” says Julia Loza Roger. After their participation, alumni will become part of a network where they can stay connected with a strong community and pass on their experiences to younger generations. Each sponsorship is limited to a maximum duration of 15 years and will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued eligibility.

Multi-stage selection process 

The foundation is already accepting applications for the first intake, initially targeting school pupils, vocational trainees, and university students. Next year, the programme will expand to include career starters, professionals, and leaders. The selection process begins with the submission of application documents and a digital assessment. “After that, we ask applicants to answer three questions about their motivation and personal strengths, and university students will also be invited to a subsequent video interview,” explains Verena Eberler. The entry requirements include a high level of individual commitment, a passionate drive, and strong communication skills. Excellent academic or professional performance is also a key selection criterion, though outstanding social engagement may also tip the scales, offering an alternative pathway into the programme.  

Providing support early on 

The sponsorships are not only designed to provide long-term support, but also to make an early impact, targeting girls from around the age of 14 in secondary schools leading to intermediate qualifications and from around age 16 in schools preparing for university. In addition, FEAT is aimed at vocational trainees in technical or commercial professions in the IT industry, as well as university students in IT or business-related fields. Depending on the target group, application phases will begin in a continuous 12 to 36-month cycle.  

Sustainable commitment 

“European organisations with gender-diverse leadership teams are more than 60 per cent more likely to achieve above-average profitability. This underscores the critical importance of fostering women in leadership roles—not just from an ethical perspective but also as a business imperative. As one of the few women on the executive board of a major German IT company, I know firsthand the challenging path to top management and the vital role of support and encouragement along the way. That is why FEAT is so close to my heart,” says Antje Leminsky, COO, Bechtle AG and sponsor of the programme, citing insights from McKinsey’s March 2024 report, Diversity Matters Even More.  

Bechtle Stiftung gGmbH, which is committed to advancing its dual mission of equity and education, collaborates closely with the Gerhard and Ilse Schick Foundation. Gerhard Schick, one of the founders of Bechtle, and his family have been anchor shareholders since the company’s IPO. His daughter, Karin Schick, who leads the Gerhard and Ilse Schick Foundation, serves as the patron of the sponsorship programme. She states: “Supporting young, talented women through the various stages of their lives and into top leadership positions is an ambitious and rewarding goal that we are proud to support.”