The programme, implemented by the Marshal's Office of the Łódź Voivodeship, once again supports public universities in building an attractive educational offer and strengthening the image of Lodz and the region as a modern academic centre. It continues efforts aimed at encouraging young people to choose the Łódź Voivodeship as a place for education, professional development and life.
Choosing a degree programme may mean building a long-term connection with a particular city or region, sometimes for a lifetime. The University of Lodz cares about achieving the best possible balance in this area just as much as local government authorities do. That is why we must work together to ensure that the university offer encourages young people to decide to stay here. And this offer is not only about high-quality education; it is also an opportunity to secure a good job while studying and to benefit from many other development opportunities. The support of Marshal Joanna Skrzydlewska and the entire Voivodeship Board reassures us that we are working towards the same goal and building the strong “Łódzkie” brand together
– said Prof. Rafał Matera, Rector of the University of Lodz.
In the second edition of the “Łódzkie dla młodych” programme, funding from the regional budget was awarded not only to the University of Lodz but also to Lodz University of Technology, the Medical University of Lodz, the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz, the Academy of Music in Lodz, the Lodz Film School, the Stefan Batory Academy of Applied Sciences in Skierniewice and the Piotrków Academy.
How will the funding be used?
The grant will enable the University of Lodz to carry out a wide range of activities addressed both to the academic community and to high school students considering studying in Lodz. Planned initiatives include:
- campaigns promoting studying at the University of Lodz and presenting Lodz as an attractive place for education, professional development and life, conducted through social media, public spaces and the media;
- activities popularising science and showcasing the achievements of University of Lodz researchers, including articles, podcasts, video materials and presentations of the most interesting research projects conducted at the University;
- workshops and educational programmes for pupils and teachers from the Łódź Voivodeship, aimed at developing future-oriented competences and presenting the educational offer of the University of Lodz;
- the purchase of modern acoustic booths that will make it possible to create quiet study and individual work zones at faculties for the entire academic community;
- events integrating young people and the academic community, including initiatives promoting science, supporting civic engagement and helping students adapt to academic life;
- cooperation with cultural institutions, festivals and media outlets, strengthening the position of Lodz and the University of Lodz as an important academic and cultural centre.
Results of the First Edition of the Programme
This is not the first time that the University of Lodz has secured funding through the “Łódzkie dla młodych” programme. In the first edition, the University obtained PLN 700,000, which was used to promote higher education and support the development of young people in the region. A series of meetings, workshops and training sessions was organised for pupils and teaching staff from high schools. These activities focused not only on presenting the university's educational offer but also on developing practical skills such as teamwork, career planning and making informed educational choices.
The image-building and promotional campaign “Zostań w Łodzi, studiuj na Uniwersytecie Łódzkim” [Stay in Lodz, Study at the University of Lodz], visible throughout the city was particularly popular. A podcast series entitled “UniLodz. Tu zaczyna się przyszłość” [UniLodz. This Is Where the Future Begins] was also launched, presenting the profiles of University of Lodz graduates who have achieved professional success. In addition, the popular science podcast series “Nauka inspiruje” [Science Inspires] showcased the diversity of research conducted at the University of Lodz and brought science closer to audiences in an accessible and engaging way.
Investing in the Future of Academic Lodz
The positive outcomes of the programme’s first edition confirmed the importance of long-term investment in the development of young people and in promoting the region as an attractive place to study. This makes the award of a new and even higher grant all the more welcome, as it will enable the continuation of proven initiatives while also launching new projects benefiting the entire academic community as well as future university applicants.
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
Edit: Magdalena Paszko, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
