Encouraging gender equality and diversity in engineering schools through internships

From 23 to 27 February, École Polytechnique organised its first internship for girls enrolled in preparatory classes for science-focused higher education institutions (CPGE), which took place on the school's campus. This initiative, which is without precedent, aims to promote greater gender diversity in engineering schools and, more broadly, in scientific careers. Other courses were also held last month in the CPGE classes of the Clermont-Ferrand academy to further enhance diversity in these fields of excellence.

02 Mar. 2026

Diversity & Success, Foundation-FX

As part of its equal opportunities policy, École Polytechnique is committed to encouraging students to pursue scientific excellence, particularly through initiatives aimed at those in preparatory classes.

From 23 to 27 February, the Equal Opportunities Unit at École Polytechnique organised a ‘Boost for Women in CPGE’ course for the first time! The 30 participants, who came from all over France and a wide range of preparatory classes, were welcomed to the École Polytechnique campus for a week of intensive support and immersion.

During daily tutoring sessions and time dedicated to guidance and discovering the world of engineering schools, they were accompanied by professors, students from École Polytechnique and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, teacher-researchers and alumni, in order to introduce them to the diversity of scientific professions. The programme was also enriched by workshops dedicated to self-confidence and public speaking.

‘Boost for women in CPGE’ course held from 23 to 27 February on the École Polytechnique campus

‘CPGE boost’ courses at secondary schools in the Clermont-Ferrand academy in February

Promoting diversity and inclusion

From 7 to 15 February, two further support courses for students enrolled in scientific preparatory classes were held in secondary schools in the Clermont-Ferrand academy. The first course was intended for 30 first-year CPGE students. The second was intended for a cohort of 25 second-year students who had previously participated in the programme during their first year of CPGE studies. Participants were selected based on their motivation, with gender parity considered and particular attention paid to grant recipients and students living in rural areas.

Three initiatives to open up pathways to excellence for all

These internships aim to enable everyone, regardless of gender, social background, or place of residence, to access scientific excellence, thereby contributing to a fairer society.

This support programme for CPGE students, created two years ago, is backed by the École Polytechnique Foundation as part of its ‘Serving Science’ campaign. It is run in collaboration with the Union of Scientific Preparatory Class Teachers.

Click here to find out more about the 'CPGE Boost' courses.

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