📋
Developing an MEP Program
Empowering BIPoC girls and FLINTA* through a needs-based, intersectionality-sensitive mentoring program.
Research Project 2024–2027 · Berlin · Duisburg-Essen
Building Bridges
Mentoring & empowerment for girls and FLINTA* of Colour
An interdisciplinary research and development project to empower girls and FLINTA* of color from the 10th grade onwards to participate in higher education and academic careers in the psychosocial field.
36
Months project duration
3
Universities involved
10+
Network partners
About the Project
Building bridges to academic futures
"Building Bridges" is a 36-month interdisciplinary research and development project that aims to empower and mentor girls and FLINTA* of color from the 10th grade onwards. The project is being carried out by the Free University of Berlin, the SPI Foundation, and the University of Duisburg-Essen.
The entire project is scientifically monitored by the Free University of Berlin. Interviews and questionnaires assess experiences of discrimination, mental health, stressors, resources, and academic participation.
36
Months project duration
3
Universities involved
10+
Network partners
2027
Project end date
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Scientific Coordination (TP1)
Interviews & questionnaires assessing discrimination, mental health, and academic participation.
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Mentoring & Empowerment (TP2)
Supporting BIPoC girls and FLINTA* from grade 10 with empowerment, self-care, and transition workshops.
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Digital Platform (TP3)
A participatory “living” platform for context-sensitive storytelling and peer-to-peer exchange.
Project Goals
Our main goals are to promote & empower
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Promoting Academic Careers
Promoting academic careers in the psychosocial field and strengthening the resources of M*oC for the path into science.
⭐
Creating Role Models
Integration of mentors and role models of colour to highlight successful educational biographies and empowerment.
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Digital Platform
Creation of a participatory digital platform for context-sensitive storytelling and sustainable peer-to-peer exchange.
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Research Barriers
Investigation of experiences of discrimination and barriers and conditions for increased participation in academic settings.
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Strengthening Resilience
Strengthening resilience and performance potential through the identification and activation of individual talents and resources.
Project Team
Meet the people behind Building Bridges
Three partner institutions – one shared mission.
TP
Universities & partners
FU Berlin · SPI Foundation · University of Duisburg-Essen
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Claudia Calvano
Verbundleitung und Leitung Teilprojekt 1
Freie Universität Berlin
View profile →
M.A. Celiana Kiefer
Teilprojektleitung von Teilprojekt 2 „Ment2Power" (Mentoringprogramm)
Stiftung SPI
View profile →
Prof. Dr. Hannes Rothe
Projektleitung Digitale Plattform (TP3), Lehrstuhlinhaber
Universität Duisburg-Essen
View profile →Information Platform
Knowledge, resources & learning
A growing, living resource hub with multimodal content — text, video, infographics, and example stories — in accessible language in both German and English.
This section is evolving. Content is being added collaboratively with participants, researchers, and community partners.
Content note: Some content discusses mental health challenges. You can skip at any point.
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Mental Health in the Psychosocial Field
Information about mental health challenges, protective factors, and common experiences of BIPoC students in psychosocial degree programmes.
📄 Text🎬 Video📊 Infographic
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Stressors in Studying
Research-based overview of specific stressors experienced by FLINTA* of Colour in studying and transitioning into psychosocial professions.
📄 Text💬 Example Stories
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Coping Strategies
Evidence-based and community-sourced coping strategies for navigating academic stress, identity-related pressure, and systemic barriers.
📄 Text🎬 Video🎧 Audio
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Story Creation Tool — TP3
A co-creative space for your story
Explore the digital storytelling tool: guided steps, privacy controls, and optional AI support — developed with and for the community.
Story tool
Create and share your story
A participatory space with optional AI support, built with the community.
Open Story Creation ToolProject Partners
A strong alliance of universities & foundations
Network Coordination · TP1
Free University of Berlin
Project Management & Research
Overall coordination and scientific management under Prof. Dr. Claudia Calvano.
Visit website →MEP Development · TP2
SPI Foundation
Mentoring & Empowerment Program
Practice-oriented development of the MEP under MA Celiana Kiefer.
Visit website →Digital Platform · TP3
University of Duisburg-Essen
Digital Platform & Research
Participatory development of the digital storytelling platform under Prof. Dr. Hannes Rothe.
Visit website →Funded by
Training & Events
Workshops & program activities
The Building Bridges project offers programs and research activities to empower girls and FLINTA* of Colour in academic careers.
Full workshop schedule →Next up
Networking & Exchange
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM · Online
Online introductions to mentors. Get to know our mentors and learn more about the mentoring program.
Read more →Workshop offerings
The next dates for workshops and events.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM · Online
Online introductions to mentors
Read more →January – November 2026
Individual Mentoring
Read more →March 2026
Mentoring Workshop II – Johanna Eck
Read more →April 2026
SELF CARE I
Read more →Saturday, April 25, 2026 · All day
Mentoring Workshop II – Vision
Read more →Friday, May 15, 2026
Self Care II
Read more →Friday, June 12, 2026
Skills Training I
Read more →Friday, August 3, 2026
Skills Training II
Read more →Friday, October 9, 2026
Skills Training III
Read more →Research activities
Scientific studies on barriers & resilience
Discrimination research
Discrimination & Barriers
Investigation of experiences of discrimination and barriers in the education sector.
Schoolgirls & studentsMixed methods
Resilience studies
Resilience & Resources
Research into protective factors and resilience resources in M*oC.
MEP participantsLongitudinal
Participatory evaluation
MEP program evaluation
Joint evaluation and further development of the MEP with all involved.
All involvedParticipatory
Project progress
Building Bridges runs for 36 months, from September 2024 to August 2027.
1
Sep 2024 – Aug 2025
Project launch & MEP development
Development of the mentoring program and first cohort.
2
Sep 2025 – Aug 2026
Full implementation & research
Full implementation of programs and intensive data collection.
3
Sep 2026 – Aug 2027
Evaluation & sustainability
Evaluation, dissemination, and sustainability strategy.
Become part of Building Bridges
Whether as a participant, mentor or cooperation partner — together we build bridges to a diverse and inclusive academic future. The project runs from September 2024 to August 2027.
Contact
Get in touch
Do you have questions about the Building Bridges project? We look forward to hearing from you.
Project management – FU Berlin (TP1)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Claudia CalvanoHabelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlinclaudia.calvano@fu-berlin.de
SPI Foundation – MEP (TP2)
MA Celiana KieferBuilding Bridges c/o MÄDEA, Grüntaler Straße 21, 13357 Berlinceliana.kiefer@lvs.stiftung-spi.de
University of Duisburg-Essen – Platform (TP3)
Prof. Dr. Hannes Rothe · Faculty of Computer ScienceUniversitätsstraße 9, 45151 Essenhannes.rothe@ris.uni-due.de
Send a message
Use the contact form for detailed inquiries — we route messages to the right project partner.
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