11th «University Shift – 2026» Underway at the Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex

Kabardino-Balkarian State University (KBSU) named after Kh. M. Berbekov continues to host participants of the federal project «University Shifts – 2026.» The 11th session has brought together 145 high school students from the Lugansk People’s Republic at the university’s Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex.

This large-scale project, initiated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, focuses on key objectives: the socialization and career guidance of young people, as well as assisting students in making informed choices about their future professions.

The intensive ten-day program combines educational activities, career guidance, and leisure. Participants attend masterclasses led by KBSU faculty, engage in business games and intellectual quizzes, and take part in training sessions designed to develop «soft skills» (transferable professional skills). A special emphasis is placed on introducing the students to KBSU; they learn about various fields of study and career prospects, gaining a unique opportunity to experience what it is like to be part of the university community.

Furthermore, the «University Shifts» offer an immersion into the culture of Kabardino-Balkaria and the natural beauty of the Caucasus. For many participants, the excursions, hikes through the picturesque landscapes of the Elbrus region, and the exploration of local traditions have been a true revelation.

«This is my first time seeing mountains like these—they’re absolutely amazing! What I’ve enjoyed most are the hikes through the gorges, the nature, and the sports facilities,» shares Egor Ivanenko from Sverdlovsk.

Egor Takhtomirov from the settlement of Luganskaya echoes this sentiment: «The nature here is simply mesmerizing, and the hikes provide such a wealth of emotions.» Vladimir Mileev from the town of Perevalsk shares: «During this session, I learned not to be afraid of the stage or the audience—I’m no longer nervous about performing in front of people. Plus, I’ve made new friends.»

The participants also focus on project work. Dasha Vasilyeva from Alchevsk notes: «Here, I’ve learned how to develop even better projects for the ‘Movement of the First’ (*Dvizheniye Pervykh*). I really hope our project gets selected so we can bring it to life!»

Over the five years since the «University Sessions» project began, tens of thousands of schoolchildren from across the country have taken part. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most effective platforms for introducing high school students to the educational environment of Russian universities.