To celebrate the Cordées de la réussite National Days, ‘École des Ponts ParisTech, in collaboration with Paris-East Marne-la-Vallée University (IMAC, ESIPE-MLV), CFA Ingénieurs 2000, ESIEE Paris, ENSG (National School of Geographical Sciences), the School of Architecture, the City and the Regions and Paris-East University Research and Higher Education Cluster, organised a special day dedicated to access to engineering as a degree and profession.

The objectives were to talk to young people about the different engineering course options at Cité Descartes, to motivate them for a future career in engineering, to counter some of the myths about high-level education programmes and to combat self-censorship..

The event brought together almost 200 pupils from schools around Cité Descartes:

• Collège Armand-Lanoux in Champs-sur-Marne (77)
• Lycée Descartes in Champs-sur-Marne (77))
• Lycée Jean-Moulin in Torcy (77))
• Lycée Gérard-de-Nerval in Noisiel (77)
• Lycée René Cassin in Noisiel (77)
• Lycée Flora-Tristan in Noisy-le-Grand (93)

Christel Brigaudeau, a journalist at the Parisien, headed the morning lectures and round tables.

Mr Philippe Courtier, Director of École des Ponts ParisTech, Mr Pierre Léna, Member of the Academy of Sciences, Mrs Maryline Chapedelaine, Deputy Prefect of Val Maubuée, along with Bernard Saint-Girons, Chairman of the Paris-East University PRES, spoke to the audience of school pupils, along with 20 head teachers, school directors and teachers, and figures from the academic world and local government.

Antoine BERGEROT, Chairman of DévelopPonts, presented the “Induction Experience” mentoring programme that the École des Ponts ParisTech has conducted with schools around Cité Descartes since 2009.

During the round tables that followed these talks, the pupils had an opportunity to talk with student engineers and professionals and find out about the different career options. From the various personal accounts, these young potential engineers were able to gain an idea of the various scientific sectors and access routes to engineering courses, and the possibilities for funding and scholarships.They also gained a better understanding of the richness and diversity of the engineering profession.

After lunch at École des Ponts ParisTech, the youngsters toured the information and career booths set up in the School’s hall. Senior people from each institution were present to provide information and guidance on the different engineering programmes.

Then, in groups, they went off to explore the different laboratories in Cité Descartes, which opened their doors throughout the afternoon to allow them and their escorts to watch the various experiments, workshops and practical cases demonstrated by the researchers.