Scientific Immersion for High School Girls: a Weekend Dedicated to Math and Computer Science

Inspiring Meetings and Workshops

Through a series of workshops, inspiring meetings and moments of discussion, the girls can discover how fulfilling scientific careers can be and familiarize themselves with the intricacies of research in mathematics and computer science. For many of them, this event is a unique opportunity, as Sonia, a participant, tells us:

 I love solving and thinking about complex problems. This weekend, I discovered how I could encounter these intellectual puzzles in research, and meet other students who share my passions. It made me want to keep pursuing a career in science.

Clarisse adds:

My love for computer science and math made me want to discover more about this field. This weekend was an incredible opportunity to do so. Seeing the work of young women who already study those topics gives me the confidence to do the same, even though it is still rare for girls to do so.

This intergenerational meeting, and the support of our students, awoke new ambitions for Clarisse.

This initiative was made possible thanks to the involvement of our students, as well as the active participation of alumni, who were all motivated by the desire to bring forth a new generation of women in science.

A Transformative Experience

On top of the workshops, the participants loved discussing with researchers to discover what their professional careers could look like. Lucie, another participant, explains:
 

For me, this weekend was the perfect moment to learn more about studying science, and discover options for my future. I never had the chance to talk about careers in that way, and now I am more confident in my plans to pursue long studies in science.

These moments of support and discussion boosts the confidence of these young girls and encourages them to pursue challenging studies. This program aims at challenging gender stereotypes in math and computer science, and inspires these young girls to pursue scientific studies and careers. This immersive experience brings together student involvement, discussion and discovery, and helps to alleviate the fears young women have about studying science.

Diversity Objectives

Claire Lambard, advisor for equality and inclusion at the ENS Paris Saclay, explains:

It is crucial to improve diversity across the board in academia, including in mathematics and computer science. This kind of event allows young women to meet real-life role models who pursued academic careers, in order to think about pursuing one themselves and not be deterred by the barrier of gender stereotypes. Identifying with women not much older than them can truly be of great value, and that is why we regularly organize events like this one with participants of all ages.

This awareness program benefits from the financial support of the Qube R&T endowment fund. As managing director for the QRT endowment fund Nathalie Mikaeloff puts it:

 

QRT jobs, at the crossroads of finance and technology, require advanced diplomas in mathematics, computer science and engineering, all fields in which women are, sadly,  still underrepresented. That is why the QRT endowment fund partners up with the ENS Paris-Saclay in order to promote and share a passion for math, and to support women in science. Women in our teams are always happy to talk about their passion and their experience in the hopes of inspiring young women, and what better way to encourage such ambitions than with the help of the ENS Paris-Saclay!

This program is made possible thanks to our donors’ generosity.
You too can support this program by making a donation.