With this message, Joey Kelly inspired around 500 students at “JumpStart Kronach” at Rosenberg Fortress. While the extreme athlete encouraged the students to forge their own paths, the Lucas Cranach Campus—together with Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Hof University of Applied Sciences—provided concrete examples of the educational opportunities and career prospects awaiting young people right here in the region.

Guidance for the Next Step

What comes next after graduating from high school? Vocational training, college, or perhaps a completely different path? The “JumpStart Kronach” event—organized by the Rotary Club of Kronach in collaboration with the Lucas Cranach Campus (LCC), Coburg University of Applied Sciences, and Hof University of Applied Sciences—addressed precisely these questions. The goal was to motivate young people during a crucial phase of their lives, provide them with guidance, and highlight the diverse educational and career opportunities available in the region.

In the stands at the Rosenberg Festival, students were treated to a varied program featuring motivation, information, and personal interaction. In addition to Rotaract—the Rotarians’ youth program—the universities also presented their degree programs and innovative offerings.

Experience Degree Programs Up Close

The Lucas Cranach Campus had its own information booth and invited the young people to get to know the university campus in a fun and interactive way. At the “Future Roulette” game, for example, the students struck up conversations with staff members and developed creative approaches for various scenarios.

The FabLab also drew plenty of curious glances. Using the laser cutter, the young people were able to see firsthand how digital designs are precisely engraved and cut out, and how an idea can be turned into a finished product in a short amount of time. This allowed them to experience modern manufacturing technology firsthand.

The event was complemented by Hof University of Applied Sciences, which, among other things, showcased its robotic cat. This innovative assistance system is primarily used in the care of people with dementia and impressively demonstrated how technology can support everyday life.

On stage, Prof. Dr. Christian Zagel presented the bachelor’s degree programs in Business Informatics 2.0 and Digital Business Models and Technologies at Coburg University, while Prof. Dr. Matthias Drossel provided a more detailed overview of the bachelor’s degree program in Innovative Healthcare at Hof University of Applied Sciences. They gave the young people insights into the course content and highlighted the opportunities that studying at the Kronach campus offers.

Motivation That Lasts

Joey Kelly’s inspiring talk was the highlight of the event. Time and again, he encouraged the young people to believe in themselves, take on challenges, and consistently pursue their own path.

“You only have one life. Go all in—100 percent,” he urged the students. Passion, perseverance, and the courage to try new things are crucial—as is the willingness to learn from mistakes. “No matter what happens in life: never give up,” was one of his key messages. At the same time, he encouraged the young people not to set limits for themselves: “You can always go much further than you think or imagine.”

Co-host Lucy Stöckert also shared an important message with the students: “Even if the road ahead is rocky, you should stick with it.”

Shaping the Future Together

“JumpStart Kronach” highlighted how important guidance and personal interactions are for young people transitioning from school to vocational training or college. Through discussions with representatives from the two colleges and the Rotarians, the young people were able to explore a variety of perspectives and learn about the opportunities available to them right here in the region.

For the Lucas Cranach Campus, the event provided an opportunity to showcase its academic programs, the FabLab, and the close connection between academia and the professional world. At the same time, it demonstrated how important collaboration among dedicated partners from the fields of education, business, and society is to inspiring young people about their future—and to showing them opportunities right on their doorstep.