Imagine juggling work life and the burning desire for higher education. That’s the story of many who find their path leading to the Westfalen-Kolleg Dortmund. This isn’t your typical school. It is a place where second chances thrive.
Westfalen-Kolleg Dortmund was founded in 1961. Since then it has been giving adults the opportunity to earn their Abitur. The Abitur is the German equivalent of A-Levels. It allows students to go on to study at university. The Kolleg provides courses that lead to the Fachhochschulreife. This qualifies students for studies at Universities of Applied Sciences. Also, it provides the Allgemeine Hochschulreife. This is the general qualification for university entrance.
Here at Westfalen-Kolleg, you will find more than just classrooms. There are three different educational pathways. The Kolleg offers full-time courses. Since 2002, Abitur-Online uses a blended learning format with weekend classes. Since the merger with the Abendgymnasium Dortmund in 2016 and 2017, there is also an evening school. You can study in the evening or morning while working.
The Westfalen-Kolleg Dortmund is more than just academics. It is a community. The cafeteria is not only for meals. It also hosts events like the Physics Teacher Day and college parties. The school uses Moodle. Moodle is an online learning platform for courses. There is also a library and student representation. Classrooms have modern media technology. Wi-Fi is available everywhere.
Interested in joining? You must be at least 18 years old. You also need a completed apprenticeship. Alternatively, you need two years of work experience. Don’t worry about finances. Students can receive federal funding. This funding does not depend on your parents. You don’t have to pay it back.
Westfalen-Kolleg Dortmund provides a wide range of subjects. These include Sociology, Economics, and Russian. The school actively promotes sustainability. The Urban Gardening group has even won awards for their composting project. The Westfalen-Kolleg is part of the “School without Racism – School with Courage” network. They maintain Stolpersteine. These are memorial stones for victims of Nazi persecution.
The Westfalen-Kolleg also maintains partnerships with schools worldwide. You might recognize some famous alumni. These include the comedian Fritz Eckenga and the politician Dieter Wiefelspütz.
As you stand here at the Westfalen-Kolleg Dortmund, consider the journeys that have started here. People from all walks of life have walked through these doors. They were seeking a better future. They found it here at Westfalen-Kolleg.