Awakening the scientific spirit in young people

« Science is not just facts, it is a way of thinking, of doubting, of searching» says Pierre Léna, co-founder of the La main à la pâte Foundation

For three decades, this has been the mission of the La main à la pâte Foundation: to provide daily support and training to teachers who guide young primary and secondary school students.

🎉 On Tuesday, May 13, the La main à la pâte Foundation, along with the Academy of Sciences, celebrated 30 years of commitment to science and technology education that is vibrant, rigorous, and accessible to all. Under the dome of the Institut de France, a fitting tribute was paid to those who have championed this ambition for three decades. Each one testified to the strength of a collective project, rooted in classrooms and local communities.

Since 2014, the Michelin Corporate Foundation has supported the La main à la pâte Foundation, notably through the deployment of Science Centers, which provide training for teachers, and the production of innovative educational materials. In partnership with the Association Prévention Routière (Road Safety), tools have been developed to raise children’s awareness of road hazards.

In 2025, the Michelin Corporate Foundation, along with the La main à la pâte Foundation network, will contribute to the production of new educational materials related to the exploration of sustainable materials.

Today, the La main à la pâte Foundation reaches 725,000 students each year, representing approximately 6% of French schoolchildren; 8,200 primary and secondary school teachers are also trained each year in the Science Centers.

Congratulations to the La main à la pâte Foundation for this wonderful contribution to science education in schools!