Room to explore: this is how Summa helps young people with their choice of study

Not every young person knows at fifteen or sixteen which study program or profession suits them. At Summa, young people are therefore given the space to explore, try out, and experience. With the Engineering and Technology Orientation Program , the Elective Year , broad entry points within study programs, and personal guidance, we help them take a suitable next step.

NOS Stories produced a report on one of the elective years at Summa, the Engineering and Technology Orientation Program. Watch it here ! And read the NOS article here.

Which study program appeals to you? What does the work actually entail? And does your perception of it match daily practice? These are questions to which the answer is not always clear during an open day. Sometimes more experience is needed: making something yourself, shadowing at a company, or getting acquainted with various subjects.

At Summa, we believe it is very important that you find something that motivates you and gives you energy. Even if a chosen direction turns out not to be a good fit, we believe it is important that young people can quickly explore something else.

“Making the wrong choice, quitting, and starting over also takes time,” says Ruud Evers of Summa. “If a student is unsure about their choice of study and subsequently drops out, that is often a negative experience. Moreover, some students find it daunting to start a work-study program, in which they combine working and learning. They are not always ready for that yet. The space to first gain experience and discover what suits them helps them grow. Experiences of success provide the confidence to take the next step.”

For young people who, for example, are interested in technology but do not yet know which direction suits them, there is the Orientation Program in Engineering and Technology ( OTT ). They are introduced to various technical study programs, visit companies, and experience what the work entails through practical assignments.

In this way, a broad interest becomes increasingly concrete. Students discover which activities appeal to them and in which direction they wish to develop further.

For Quirijn, the program brought that clarity. “Now I know for sure what I want!” As a result, he no longer expects to switch courses. He also completed his safety course during the orientation program, allowing him to start working at his company immediately.

Anyone who does not yet know in which field their future lies can turn to the Summa Plus Choice Year . Young people get to know themselves better and explore which study programs and professions suit their interests and abilities.

They do this actively: through practical lessons, company and school visits, guest lectures, and exploratory work or internship experiences. In addition, they take general subjects such as Dutch, English, and arithmetic, and work on skills such as collaboration, planning, and independent action.

Students receive guidance from a dedicated mentor. Parents or guardians are also involved in the progress. In this way, young people work towards making an informed choice for further education.

Some young people already know which field appeals to them, but want to get to know the various professions within it better first. A broad start to the study program offers the opportunity for this.

An example is the Hospitality Foundation Year . In the first year, students are introduced to all disciplines and can still change direction during that year; in the second year, they specialize. At Summa ICT, learning also begins with an orientation phase . Students explore various ICT disciplines and then, together with their study coach, determine their personal learning path.

Orientation is part of the program here. Students already start learning within their area of ​​interest and gradually make a more specific choice.

It may also become apparent during a degree program that a different direction suits them better. In such cases, students can receive assistance from specialized study choice coaches. Through conversations, tests, and introductions to other degree programs, they explore together what a suitable next step might be.

For students who need more support with this, there is the Via track . In a small group, they reorient themselves towards an education program or work. Via groups start throughout the year, so that young people can also join during the school year.

In addition, there is the transition class , intended for more independent young people who need extra time and guidance to make a good choice. These options are part of the broader approach with which Summa helps young people who are uncertain or stuck.

The options vary in duration, structure, and guidance. What connects them is the focus on what a young person needs to move forward. By gaining experience and discussing it, it becomes clearer what suits them and what motivates them. In doing so, Summa aims to prevent young people from getting stuck or leaving their education prematurely.

This focus extends beyond the choice of study and the first job. Knowing what you are good at, what energizes you, and what you still want to learn helps later on as well. In this way, students work towards a degree *and* a solid foundation to continue developing themselves.

Young people and parents can turn to Summa's study choice assistance for tests, a consultation, shadowing days , and other introductory activities. Together, we look at which step suits them best.