The programme targets the younger female and male audiences aged 7 to 16 (primary and secondary I levels). It is based on an active and playful pedagogical approach to:

• Raise interest in science and technology ;
• Develop creativity ;
• Promote the acquisition of scientific thinking and new knowledge in the STEM disciplines.

It addresses gender dimension, includes targeted girls-only actions, and also raises awareness among parents and teachers on gender issus. It focuses on information, encouragement and introduction to the sciences and technical fields in order to encourage the next generation of scientists, technicians, and engineers in Switzerland. The objectives of the programme include spreading of a fair and valorizing image of STEM disciplines, showing the usefulness of science for society, increasing the confidence of young girls in their abilities, and breaking down gender-related prejudices. Measures are also developed to dialogue with and inform parents in order to encourage their children and teenagers to choose scientific options as well as to provide teachers with tools and support for some scientific activities. Each year over 12’000 young girls and boys benefit from this program.

School-based activities, such as the science bus tour, or scientific and technical workshops, at EPFL or in classrooms, meet the demand of primary and secondary I schools. Other activities such as semester-long STEM courses, workshops, and science camps allow young people to be introduced to science and technology outside of school hours. The activities are successfully deployed in all French-speaking or bilingual French-German cantons in Switzerland as well as in one German-speaking canton. For all extracurricular activities a quota of 50% of girls is respected.