Germany is facing an increasing challenge in the shortage of skilled workers in STEM professions, with studies indicating a significant decline in the number of professionals in technical fields by 2030. Concurrently, enrolment rates in STEM degree programmes remain inadequate, particularly among women. Furthermore, many young people are introduced to technical topics too late, resulting in an early loss of interest in STEM subjects. In order to address this issue, it is essential to instil a passion for STEM at an early age and to provide ongoing reinforcement through various educational channels.

The EU-funded project Interreg Robot Hub Academie has been developed to directly address this challenge. The objective of this initiative is to offer children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 physical, interactive experiences that will foster a lasting enthusiasm for STEM and encourage long-term engagement in technical careers. Since the programme's inception, it has engaged over 120 children and adolescents through hands-on robotics activities, providing them with their first experiences in programming, engineering, and problem-solving.

Under the motto "Exploring STEM – Experiencing Robotics," a variety of formats are offered throughout the year, including age-appropriate workshops and activities for children and adolescents. These range from initial encounters with robotics to more advanced formats in programming and application. For instance, workshops held at KUKA training cells or mobile robotics units offer hands-on engagement with STEM subjects. To specifically promote the involvement of girls in STEM and robotics, we organise exclusive women-only day workshops. These provide a space to deeply engage with specific topics, challenge stereotypes, and inspire enthusiasm in a safe environment. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that last year, we hosted over 10 formats for the 8-15 age group, with 90% of the sessions fully booked or overbooked. Through regular lab tours, more than 200 students have already gained insights into current research and industrial applications, allowing them to recognise the direct connections between theory and practice.

The utilisation of diverse formats is instrumental in facilitating engagement with STEM at multiple levels, fostering curiosity, and cultivating long-term enthusiasm among participants. Collaborations with various local STEM initiatives are maintained to enhance the regional network and nurture a sustainable STEM education community. The educational methodology is predicated on the principle of "Learning by Doing," and the environment is designed to celebrate achievements and interpret mistakes as opportunities for learning. The incorporation of team activities is pivotal in fostering collaboration and strengthening the sense of community, which are deemed essential competencies for future STEM professionals. A particular focus is placed on introducing children and adolescents to robotics at an early stage to prepare them for technological advancements and the evolving job market. The contribution presented here focuses on the Robot Hub Academie concept, analyses its impact on participating children and adolescents based on evaluation results, and discusses why hands-on STEM experiences are a crucial success factor for sustainable enthusiasm and long-term talent development.

Keywords: STEM Education, Robotics, Hands-on Learning, Experiential Learning, STEM Promotion, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Future Skills, Workforce Development.