International Day of Education 2026

Wi‑Filles inspires and empowers girls (aged 14–17) to explore the world of digital technologies and related careers where women have been underrepresented. In partnership with FACE Yvelines, 12 students from a priority education school in Trappes, located West of Paris, volunteered to participate in a series of interactive workshops exploring a variety of digital topics, including virtual worlds, cybersecurity, the Makers universe, and digital technology applied to the cultural heritage field. They also met with women engineers and other digital professionals to discuss their job and personal journey. By fostering autonomy, curiosity, and role modeling, the program encourages girls to expand their professional horizons and build their own educational journey.

As a new avenue under ConnectNext, one of its flagship initiatives in India, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes offers an Industry Readiness program for the Space sector. Developed in partnership with space organizations, start-ups and academic partners, this program prepares Indian engineering students for careers in space exploration, a rapidly growing economic field. Through a four‑month curriculum of hands‑on workshops, 45 students acquire applied skills by designing and developing small satellites for low‑Earth orbit, guided by Dassault Systèmes volunteers and educators. As part of the program, 6 teams (40 students) took part in the IN‑SPACe CanSat and Model Rocketry India competitions in 2025 and qualified for the Grand Finale that gathered 67 teams and more than 500 students from across the country, with one team from Dayanand Sagar University securing second place in the CanSat category, demonstrating how real‑world engagement develops skills, an innovative mindset, and confidence.

Based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Youth Development Organization (YDO) provides year-round STEM, arts, and leadership programs for youth from underserved and diverse communities. Serving approximately 175 students aged 8 to 18, YDO creates supportive hands-on learning environments across engineering, computer science, scientific inquiry, algebra, and a girl-centered makers space, where young people build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging while exploring academic and career pathways.

With its volunteers, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes enables YDO educators to get training on 3D design and printing to facilitate the integration of these topics into future learning modules.

YDO also hosts Career Conversations sessions that connect students directly with professionals from multiple industries. These events feature a moderated panel sharing career journeys, education guidance, and real-world insights, followed by small-group breakout discussions that allow students to ask questions and explore different professions in a more personal setting. We had a volunteer taking part in one of these sessions this past November, sharing her career experience, highlighting real-world applications of classroom learning, and encouraging students to envision themselves in STEM and creative fields.