Education for Social Sustainability in Germany

Education enables upward mobility and contributes to productivity growth. The United Nations emphasize the key role of education for Sustainable Development (Goal 4). Against the background of ageing societies, rising old-age dependency ratios and not least digital transformation, member countries’ educational policies aim at equal opportunities, (cultural) diversity and, eventually, social sustainability. A growing literature studies the likely benefits of such policies for historically underrepresented groups. Adding to this literature, we study the suitability of a well-established educational institution of the German public school system that supports non-traditional learners. In practice, this institution issues one-third of all university entrance certificates. Not least through the lens of prospective employers, our study focuses on the capability of such specialized vocational state schools (SVSS) to widening participation in higher education. We hypothesize that SVSS effectively promote access to college and university for learners who develop later in their schooling careers and are particularly suitable for underrepresented groups. Likewise, we expect SVSS to enhance cultural diversity and support social sustainability. Data from the Federal Statistical Office in Germany show supportive evidence, as student cohorts at SVSS are more diverse and inclusive in terms of parental backgrounds and cultural heritage. In addition, data from a rich survey of first year students in business and economics at state universities reveal that SVSS establish a sustainable entry channel to university that, moreover, historically underrepresented groups significantly over prefer. In view of growing shortages of highly skilled labor, companies benefit from SVSS too, as anecdotal evidence points to an association between the sophistication of the regional SVSS sector and economic prosperity.