In developing an international network of “Continental Universities” in cooperation with local universities, Continental is pursuing its goal of creating broad-based and wide ranging qualification and advancement possibilities for its employees worldwide. The “Continental University Program” is based on a partnership between the company and local colleges and universities, providing employees with access to higher education and thus contributing to their professional advancement and career development. Course content can be selected especially to meet the needs of the company. The concept was developed in 2005 by Continental AG and is a part of a worldwide strategy that focuses on lifelong learning and the promotion of employees' continuing education.

Educational bridges have already been created by Continental to universities in Mexico, the Philippines, Romania and the U.S.A. Students at local universities benefit at the same time from special internship programs, research papers and Bachelor and Master programs that Continental offers.

The first "Continental University" was established in July 2006 in Cuautla, Silao, Mexico, where Continental cooperates with five of the country’s universities. Each year, more than 1,000 employees attend the various training programs, ranging from English and quality management courses to sales and marketing diploma and full Master programs.

In Manila in the Philippines, a “Continental University” was opened in August 2006, where special support is given to employees who do not yet have a university education. Each year, 20 employees have the opportunity to start a Bachelor of Engineering program with a major in "Manufacturing and Production". Those wishing to participate must have been with the company for at least two years and have demonstrated outstanding commitment.

In Sibiu, Romania, a “Continental University” was established early in 2007. The project is designed to benefit students at the local university as well as the approximately 1800 Continental employees in Sibiu. In cooperation with an endowment professorship and assistant positions, Continental creates the framework conditions for automotive-oriented course content within the engineering program. Project-oriented internships and active support of thesis projects are further building blocks that optimize the practical nature of the education.

In July 2007, the U.S. location in Mount Vernon, Illinois, was added to the network of “Continental Universities”. This officially continued the work of the former pilot program in cooperation with the Rend Lake College (RLC). Under that program, all employees can attain an Associate Degree or a Technical Certificate at the local level (corresponds roughly to a German Berufsfachoberschulabschluss). At the same time, the program was expanded with a Bachelor degree that can be attained by the students at McKendree University, Mid-Continental University or Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC).

In October 2007, Continental founded its "Continental University Campus Calamba" in the Philippines in cooperation with the Don Bosco College. Along with Manila, the campus is the second “Continental University” in the Philippines. The new university is available to all Calamba employees who wish to broaden their knowledge about fully-automated systems. The course focuses on combining electrical and mechanical processes. Per year, up to 15 employees can participate in the two-year program, free of charge.

Continental is planning further educational bridges with universities at the following locations:

Hanover, Germany
Frankfurt, Germany
Timişoara, Romania