The Burgas branch and the Faculty of Economics of Sofia University received the Alma Mater Award – "Quality Mark" in the "Significant Innovation" category.
The award was presented for ensuring a completely new type of educational model focused on building sustainable "school-university-business" connections. This initiative is implemented in cooperation with the Burgas High School of Computer Programming and Innovations.
Prof. Adrian Georgiev, Deputy Director of the Burgas Branch, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boriana Pelova, Coordinator of the activities between the Faculty of Economics and the Burgas High School of Computer Programming and Innovations, and students from the Burgas high school were present at the ceremony.
In 2023, by decision of the Ministry of Education and Science, the school received the status of a lycée affiliated with Sofia University. Since then, the partnering educational institutions have actively worked on the "school-university-business" connection. The foundational specialized subjects for the students in the field of "Artificial Intelligence" are taught entirely by professors from the Faculty of Economics, using the facilities of the Burgas branch of Sofia University.
The mandatory practical training of the students is supported by key business partners of the Faculty of Economics and Sofia University, such as Schwarz Global Services Bulgaria. Students are given the real opportunity to "work" together with leading companies in the field they are studying. All activities are conducted outside the school premises, in a real office environment set up at the Burgas Branch.
In less than a year, the initiative has established itself as a successful example both within the Burgas Municipality and across the country. Through this initiative, the values of Alma Mater reach the youngest talents, and the scientific and educational capacity of the University is integrated into the preparation of the next generation of professionals in artificial intelligence.
"The feeling of competing with university students and ranking among the top three is quite interesting," commented students from the high school, who, thanks to the new work model, participate in prestigious competitions under the mentorship of University professors. Some of them, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boriana Pelova and the Deputy Director of the Burgas Branch, received the award from the Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev. The ceremony took place in the capital.
The "Quality Mark" award was established in 2018 by the University Center for Quality Management. It is unique and reflects the University’s effort to promote best practices and achievements both within the academic community and the administration.
