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Striving for student and employee happiness

Mindset

Summa wants to actively contribute to the happiness of students and staff. Happiness contributes to learning, working, and growing. This includes pursuing a program that aligns with your talents and interests, where you feel happy. Or working in a pleasant environment, offering challenge and purpose. We take happiness very seriously. What sets Summa apart from other organizations is the bold decision to choose "happiness" as our ultimate goal. In everything we do, the question is whether and how it contributes to the happiness of students and staff. This page provides more information about how we strive for optimal happiness: we call this strategic pillar Mindset.

Based on Summa's core values, we contribute to the happiness of students, trainees, and staff. We do this through the interplay of relational work (I belong), personal leadership (I am free), and a talent climate (I can do it). This creates a meeting place and safe learning environment where everyone can develop.

– Talent Climate (Competencies, I can do it)
– Personal leadership (Autonomy, I am free)
– Practorate Relational Work (Relationships, I belong – see also this page)

An important strategic pillar
To realize our future dreams and to reach our higher and bolder goal, it is important that we bring focus to our activities. In our strategic ambitions We've formulated five pillars. Mindset is a key priority for us. You can read how we're putting this into practice in the various articles below.

Happiness as the ultimate goal

Canvas hit by security incident again: login temporarily unavailable
Canvas hit by security incident again: login temporarily unavailable
May 08, 2026
Canvas is temporarily unavailable following a new security incident. Summa has disconnected the application as a precaution. Classes and exams will continue. Updates will be provided via study coaches, Eduarte, and the website.
education
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Summa offers expat partners opportunities in childcare
Summa offers expat partners opportunities in childcare
April 20, 2026
Summa offers expat partners a route to work in childcare through a work-study program. In this video, those involved share their experiences, the impact on the workplace, and how this contributes to reducing staff shortages.
Healthcare & Welfare sector Willem de Rijkelaan 3
care & welfare
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Technology Orientation Year: 'You learn a lot, you see a lot, and you will naturally find out what suits you'
Technology Orientation Year: 'You learn a lot, you see a lot, and you will naturally find out what suits you'
April 16, 2026
Orientation Year in Technology at Summa: discover various technology programs, complete internships, and develop your skills. Make an informed study choice and immediately obtain certificates and exemptions. Not a wasted year, but a strong start in technology.
technology
automotive
electrical and installation engineering
engineering
ict
laboratory
process technology
the story of…
education
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The added value of quiet spaces
The added value of quiet spaces
July 04, 2025
Away from all the hustle and bustle and stimulation, regain your focus or take a moment to say your daily prayers. Students are increasingly looking for their own space within the school building, where they can retreat. At Summa Healthcare & Wellbeing, students and teachers are thrilled with the arrival of a quiet room.
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Chaos! So many stimuli, it's frustrating.
Chaos! So many stimuli, it's frustrating.
14 December 2021
Karin Broeders took part in the autism experience circuit.
care & welfare
the story of…
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Students ask for attention for diversity: “You must be able to be yourself, always
Students ask for attention for diversity: “You must be able to be yourself, always
June 23, 2025
Is diversity fully embraced everywhere? Then it would no longer be necessary to draw attention to it. Unfortunately, we're not there yet. Many schools in the Netherlands have active GSAs: groups that believe everyone should be able to be themselves.
care & welfare
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First Intro Festival was a success
First Intro Festival was a success
July 04, 2025
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Stubborn, technical and poetic: Zoé makes vocational education shine
Stubborn, technical and poetic: Zoé makes vocational education shine
July 01, 2025
Summa vocational ambassador, perfectionist, ballroom dancer, former junior city poet of Roosendaal, tech enthusiast, idealist and a bit stubborn.
engineering
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