How do you program a digital thermometer? What’s behind the blinking lights of a microcontroller? And why is computer science more than just sitting in front of a screen? These were just some of the questions explored by the sixth-grade students from the Realschule of the Evangelisches Schulzentrum Michelbach during a hands-on tech afternoon at STEGO Elektrotechnik GmbH last week.
Curiosity and excitement instead of tech anxiety
With great enthusiasm, the students created their first programs, activated LEDs, read sensor values, and built basic digital thermometers. “It’s fascinating to see how quickly our students grasp digital concepts when they can create something themselves,” said Oliver Reif, teacher at the Evangelisches Schulzentrum Michelbach. “Calliope is a fantastic tool—simple, engaging, and closely aligned with the students’ everyday experiences. For many, this was their first real step into the world of coding.”
More than a one-off experience, the workshop marked the beginning of a closer partnership between STEGO and the school. Starting in fall 2025, the collaboration will evolve into a formal educational partnership, with new joint projects already in the pipeline. The goal is to empower young people to explore digital and technical topics through practical, enjoyable, and approachable experiences.
STEGO embraces its responsibility - to the next generation
“As a company rooted in the region, we see it as our social responsibility to inspire young minds to engage with technology,” said Elmar Mangold, Managing Director of STEGO Elektrotechnik GmbH. “It’s not just about passing on knowledge - it’s about building confidence. When children realize they can actively shape digital technology, entirely new perspectives open up.”
The workshop concept was developed and led by STEGO’s own apprentices, making it a peer-to-peer learning experience that proved to be highly effective. It offered authenticity and relatability for the students, while also providing the apprentices with valuable opportunities to grow in communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Learning together, building a better future
Regional educational partnerships are a key element of STEGO’s long-term ESG commitment. Education, talent development, and social engagement go hand in hand at STEGO. Further joint environmental projects with the Michelbach school are already in preparation—marking the next steps in a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Curiosity and excitement instead of tech anxiety
With great enthusiasm, the students created their first programs, activated LEDs, read sensor values, and built basic digital thermometers. “It’s fascinating to see how quickly our students grasp digital concepts when they can create something themselves,” said Oliver Reif, teacher at the Evangelisches Schulzentrum Michelbach. “Calliope is a fantastic tool—simple, engaging, and closely aligned with the students’ everyday experiences. For many, this was their first real step into the world of coding.”
More than a one-off experience, the workshop marked the beginning of a closer partnership between STEGO and the school. Starting in fall 2025, the collaboration will evolve into a formal educational partnership, with new joint projects already in the pipeline. The goal is to empower young people to explore digital and technical topics through practical, enjoyable, and approachable experiences.
STEGO embraces its responsibility - to the next generation
“As a company rooted in the region, we see it as our social responsibility to inspire young minds to engage with technology,” said Elmar Mangold, Managing Director of STEGO Elektrotechnik GmbH. “It’s not just about passing on knowledge - it’s about building confidence. When children realize they can actively shape digital technology, entirely new perspectives open up.”
The workshop concept was developed and led by STEGO’s own apprentices, making it a peer-to-peer learning experience that proved to be highly effective. It offered authenticity and relatability for the students, while also providing the apprentices with valuable opportunities to grow in communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Learning together, building a better future
Regional educational partnerships are a key element of STEGO’s long-term ESG commitment. Education, talent development, and social engagement go hand in hand at STEGO. Further joint environmental projects with the Michelbach school are already in preparation—marking the next steps in a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals.
