International Women and Girls in Science Day: more than 2,000 female students involved in Back to School project

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines are the foundation of innovation and must become fertile ground for the skills of all, regardless of gender. Nevertheless, the gap is still evident: only 41% of STEM graduates are women, with even lower percentages for Computer Science, ICT and Industrial Engineering, according to the latest Almalaurea Graduate Profile Survey.

Bringing more and more young women closer to these disciplines, breaking down stereotypes and barriers that still limit women's access to technical-scientific professions, is a goal to which we are actively committed with concrete initiatives such as Back to School, a project created to inspire and accompany female high school students toward academic and professional paths in science. Now in its fourth year, the program will continue in the 2025/26 school year, continuing its commitment to guidance and support for young women who want to pursue STEM careers.

Over the past year, Back to School has engaged more than 2,000 young women across Italy, supported by the enthusiasm and expertise of approximately 40 STEM professionals from the Group. Through high school visits nationwide, these experts have shared their experiences to guide and inspire students in their junior, senior, and final years.

More than just a career guidance program, Back to School gave students the opportunity to participate in a challenge focused on key topics such as climate change, sustainable mobility, future cities, artificial intelligence, and gender equality. The five most innovative proposals were awarded financial contributions to help cover university enrollment fees and tuition for STEM degree programs. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to complete an orientation period at company offices, which counted for 20 hours of PCTO (Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation).

In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, we hosted an event at our headquarters in Piazza Verdi, Rome, where we honored the winning students of this year’s contest. This event provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the program and its future prospects, alongside the mentors who played a key role in their journey.

Back to School is part of the broader initiative launched by the Group to promote gender equality and complements numerous other global activities that, over the past eight years, have engaged more than 47,000 young women worldwide through innovative and inclusive educational formats such as inspirational talks, corporate mentorship, career orientation programs, scholarships, and more.

Each of these initiatives represents another step toward a future where every young woman can see STEM disciplines as a path for growth and fulfillment, contributing to societal progress. Because talent has no gender—it only needs an opportunity to shine.