Faced with the challenges of reindustrialization, the growing demand for engineers, and the looming demographic decline, the Aix-en-Provence campus has made the appeal of its programs a priority. But to inspire students to become engineers, it’s essential to start early—very early, in fact.
For the past three years, a genuine outreach strategy has been underway targeting school groups.
The campus upholds a strong conviction, championed by the campus director: “Inspiring future careers isn’t a one-time event, but a long-term commitment,” he explains. Our goal is simple: to throw our doors wide open, to help students discover science in a new way by sparking their curiosity, their desire to experiment, and their confidence in their own abilities; to challenge preconceived notions; and to enable every young person to one day say to themselves, ‘Why not me?’
The tone has been set. We need to reach out to young people who still too rarely consider pursuing scientific studies. Elementary, middle, and high school students, young women, and first-year college students are now at the heart of this structured initiative, which aims to make science and technology tangible and accessible.
Sparking Curiosity Starting in Elementary School
Career choices are shaped long before high school. The campus has chosen to get involved very early on. That’s why it now plans to welcome students starting in CM1 and CM2.
This major change will take effect starting with the next Science Festival on October 8, where 250 young people are already registered and expected to attend.
On the agenda: hands-on activities, observation, experimentation, and building—science is experienced before it is learned. The young participants will explore the foundry and machining workshops, the fablab, research platforms, and laboratories, guided by the people who bring them to life every day.
In early June, the campus sent the regional education office and local schools a program structured around five major events dedicated to exploring science and engineering careers. The response was immediate: within just 15 days, all time slots were fully booked, with several classes already on the waiting list. This is proof of the growing interest among schools in this type of initiative.
The campus’s initiative is supported by the collective commitment of a team of 35 faculty and staff members. Sixteen faculty members, four doctoral students, and 15 technical staff volunteered to open their educational facilities. Together, they will offer a behind-the-scenes look at their professions and their teaching and research activities, tailoring their sessions to each age group.
This desire to inspire career paths is also expressed through original initiatives. The desire to learn does not stop at the gates of elementary or middle schools. For the past two years, during school breaks, the campus has welcomed children ages 10 to 13 as part of the “Les Apprentis Curieux” program. For one week in July, the children learn through hands-on experimentation and fun. The enthusiastic feedback from families attests to the impact of this initiative, where science becomes a true playground that fosters creativity. Beyond the technical challenges, this immersive experience fosters teamwork and self-confidence. As one parent summed it up at the end of the week: “This bridge between engineering students and the children is invaluable. It raises awareness, sparks curiosity, and inspires future careers.” ”
In the future, this dynamic will find a new home in the upcoming Technology Forum, which will be housed in the Grand Amphi, currently under renovation. Designed as a space for knowledge sharing, interaction, and discovery, it will welcome schoolchildren, families, and the general public to explore industrial expertise.
Girls: A Priority for Building the Industry of Tomorrow
The campus’s other priority concerns the role of women in scientific fields and in industry. Studies show that gender stereotypes emerge very early on. Waiting until high school to take action is often already too late.
The campus therefore aims to encourage young girls to envision themselves in science-related careers as early as middle school—or even sooner. This commitment was already evident at the “ Evolutive Learning Factory ” event, dedicated to diversity, last November, where several female students shared their stories with industry partners.
A new milestone will be reached on March 18, 2027, with the first edition of the “Filles et Sciences” event, an afternoon dedicated to exploring careers in engineering. Young participants will have the opportunity to interact with female students, teachers, engineers, and dedicated professionals, in collaboration with networks such asElles Bougent and WIN France.
The campus’s female students play a vital role in this effort. Deeply involved in student organizations and science outreach initiatives, they in turn become inspiring role models for future generations. Their personal stories often serve as the catalyst that encourages young girls to envision a career in science.
Making Career Guidance a Driver of Equal Opportunity
Equal opportunity is the third pillar of the campus’s strategy. Inspiring career aspirations also means breaking down social barriers. This message of inclusivity is now at the heart of the campus’s policy: to enable every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, to envision a future in scientific and industrial careers.
For the fifth consecutive year, the campus will host the “Entretiens de l’Excellence” in 2027, an event designed to support young people in their career choices, combat or debunk prejudices related to social background, and encourage them to pursue long-term studies. By sharing their experiences, successes, and challenges, the invited professionals remind attendees that no path is predetermined and that everyone can find the means to achieve their ambitions. Participants thus discover that there are many different paths to follow and that social background should never limit one’s ambitions.
2026–2027 Schedule
410 is the number of students the campus welcomed during the 2025–2026 school year as part of three major events: Science Festival, Industry Week, and High School Students’ Day.
37 is the number of faculty members, doctoral students, and technical staff who will make themselves available in 2026–2027 to welcome schoolchildren to the campus and introduce them to the platforms on which they work. All of them have clearly defined with the Communications and Events Manager what they are able to offer in terms of content, availability, and the types of visitors they can accommodate.
The 2026–2027 program can be found here.
9 is the total number of events organized by the campus in 2026–2027 for school groups:
October 8: Science Festival
November 12: Industry Week
From October through March: More than 80 requests to participate in forums organized by high schools in the recruitment area
January 30, 2027: Open House
March 18: Girls and Science Day
Date to be determined: The Excellence Interviews
Date to be determined: Hosting a major event such as “C Génial,” “Faites de la science,” Engineering Science Olympiads, ForIndustrie
April 15: High School Students’ Day
Early July: “Les Apprentis curieux” internship
2—that’s the number of new features in the organization of these events for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The campus will open its doors to fourth- and fifth-grade students during the Science Festival.
The campus will host its first “Girls and Science” Day on March 18, 2027.
Beyond the numbers and events, a core belief guides all of these initiatives. Career paths aren’t dictated; they’re nurtured. By opening its doors wide to inspiring venues, showcasing exemplary career paths, and making science a fun experience, the campus is helping to prepare a new generation of engineers—one that is more diverse, more open-minded, and ready to tackle the major challenges of tomorrow.
Contact: Cécile Pêcheur, Head of Communications and Events
