Mercedes-Benz Türk, one of the biggest foreign investment companies in Turkey, along with its performance and investments in the automotive sector, is contributing to the development of Turkey with efforts in corporate social responsibility projects.

Since 2004, With “Every Girl is a Star” project, Mercedes-Benz Turkey has been aiming to increase the value that women create for the economic development and progress of Turkey, by supporting the young women with their education on their path to obtaining a profession.

Within the scope of the, “Every Girl is a Star” project, Mercedes Benz Turkey realized its 26^th visit in Gaziantep. Representatives from Mercedes Benz Turkey, met with the “stars” in Gaziantep, where 18 scholarship holders participated in a drama performance, to enhance their personal growth.

Together with professional training, personal growth activities are also supported as part of the program.

Mercedes Benz representatives who commented that financial aid, right attention, team spirit, courage and self-esteem are significant factors in the development of the Stars, got together with the Stars in other cities like they have done in Gaziantep to encourage them with their education and obtaining a profession.

During these visits, with training given by a coach from İstanbul, the personal development of the stars is supported.

By visiting a different city each month to meet with the Stars, Mercedes Benz Turkey plan to visit 56 cities in total. So far, they have visited 26 cities.

Mercedes Benz Turkey also create employment for the Stars.

Currently, total of 1200 students, 200 of which are university students, receive support as part of the program.

With “Every Girl is a Star” program, Mercedes Benz Turkey, provide employment opportunities to those who complete their education successfully.
Currently, 10\% of Mercedes Benz Turkey blue collar female employees, are members of the program.

The scope of the project has expanded, together with number of participants.

The scope of, “Every Girl is a Star” project which has been initiated to support hardworking primary school graduate young girls for vocational training, personal growth and to have a voice in business life, has expanded with time.

While initially motor, electric/electronic, turning lathe, machine design and computer skills were taught for vocational training, scholarships are now available for many other subjects.

Supported by Mercedes Benz along with suppliers, dealers and employees, 68\% of the scholarships are provided to technical high-schools, 13\% to arts, and the remaining to health and other fields.

The Stars are accommodated in Istanbul.

Successful students from different cities are hosted in Istanbul for a week every year.

While students explore the city, including notable museums, they are also able to visit the Mercedes- Benz Turkey facilities in Istanbul.

Recognized project

While receiving public appraisal, “Every Girl is a Star” project has been recognized with various awards, including “Top Achievers” in “Best Social Responsibility Project” category by Platin Magazine, “Golden Compass” award in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Project in Education category by Turkey Public Relations Association (TÜHİD) in 2007 and “ODD Sales Communication Awards’ ”, “2010 Gladiators”, “Corporate Social Responsibility project of the Year” award.