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Cordée “Horizons”: guiding secondary school pupils towards excellenceee

Campus life Equal opportunities News
Published on 31 March 2025
Encouraging ambition, opening up new perspectives and breaking down stereotypes: these are the objectives of the “Women and Science” success initiative, led by Mines Paris – PSL in partnership with the Internat d’Excellence du Collège – Campus International de Valbonne (CIV). This program supports 19 high school students, all scholarship holders, including 12 girls and 13 from Priority Neighborhoods of the City (PNC), in an introductory course combining academic discoveries, exchanges with students, and immersion in the world of engineering.
 

A scientific immersion on the Sophia Antipolis campus

Before flying off to Paris, the students had their first immersive experience on the Pierre Laffitte campus in Sophia Antipolis. This day allowed them to explore exceptional scientific and technological fields:

  • Visit to the research centers: from the CRC and its underwater robots to the Cemef Hall, including work on fuel cells, the students immersed themselves in the heart of innovation.
  • Workshop “Engineering, why not me?”: led by six female students from the Civil Engineering program, this discussion was an opportunity for young girls to ask questions and consider a career in science.
  • “Climate Mural” activity: guided by PhD student Thibaut Feix, this activity made students aware of environmental challenges and the technological solutions to address them.

This first step laid the foundations for a broader reflection on scientific courses and the opportunities offered by the grandes écoles.

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An initiatory adventure in Paris

On March 18 and 19, 2025, the group traveled to Paris to continue their immersion in higher education and the scientific world. On the program: inspiring encounters, heritage visits and cultural discoveries.

  • Meeting with Florence Verzelen, Deputy CEO of Dassault Systèmes: a memorable exchange that gave the students a broader vision of their possibilities and scientific careers.
  • Heritage tour of Mines Paris – PSL: discovery of the building, the library and the museum.
  • Workshop at FabLab: demonstrations of machines and concrete applications, accompanied by a presentation of the courses, including the future Bachelor’s degree.
  • Exchanges with engineering students: a convivial moment over lunch to discuss engineering school courses.
  • Visits and academic and cultural insights: at Sciences Po Paris and ENS – PSL, discussions on the links between science, society and decision-making, as well as academic excellence. A theater evening with The Misanthrope and an exhibition at the Arab World Institute on female figures completed this immersion.

 

Mines Paris – PSL, a springboard to the future

By joining the success team, Mines Paris – PSL is affirming its role as a player in the promotion of scientific subjects among young people. This program, carried out with the support of the Rectorat de Nice, the Région Sud, the DREEST Région Paca and its partners Petroineos and RTE, does not stop at these two days: it is extended by long-term support through mentoring and sponsorship.

The enthusiasm of the students at the end of their stay speaks volumes about the impact of this experience. Thanks to this unique immersion, they leave with their heads full of study projects.

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