The University Orientation School promoted by Normale and Sant'Anna School is back: first contact with the academic world for 180 young talents selected from all over Italy and who have just finished their fourth year of high school

It is time for the first contact with university education for 180 students who have just finished their fourth year of high school and have successfully passed the selection process (about 600 applications from all over Italy), demonstrating merit and motivation. From Tuesday, June 18 and for two weeks, the School of University Orientation, jointly promoted by Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant'Anna School, returns to Pisa, offering an opportunity to encourage an informed and focused choice of university studies.

Thanks to the School of University Orientation, the 180 participants in the two courses can get in touch with a university environment with unique characteristics, discovering the peculiarities of collegiate life and the relevance of a complete and enriching academic experience in terms of education and personal growth. With this project, Normale and Sant'Anna School aim to stimulate intellectual curiosity and promote critical education, providing students - who are entering university education - with the necessary tools to face the challenges of the future.

The 2024 edition of the School of University Orientation includes two residential courses. The first takes place at the Sant'Anna School between Tuesday, June 18, and Friday, June 21, involving 100 female and male students. The second is scheduled at the Santa Chiara Conservatory of the Scuola Normale Superiore in San Miniato (Pisa) between Tuesday, June 25 and Friday, June 28, welcoming 80 female students and students.

The two courses, which are entirely free of charge, have been jointly designed by the two institutions: activities include lectures, panel discussions, seminars and educational workshops, covering a wide range of relevant and current topics. During the two courses, students have the opportunity to explore the latest frontiers of scientific research, understand the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on society; they can discuss the challenges of  fighting climate change and delve into civil rights advocacy. These are just some of the topics at the center of the meetings led by faculty, researchers from Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant'Anna School, offering a multidisciplinary and integrated perspective.

In addition to academic activities, the program offers participants and attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in the collegiate life of Normale and Sant'Anna School. Through shared experiences with honor students from the two University Schools, participants have the opportunity to understand the added value of a university experience characterized by a stimulating environment and a strong sense of community.

The University Orientation School has now become accredited as a point of reference for confronting academic knowledge and reflecting on one's future aspirations. The collaboration between the Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant'Anna School confirms and demonstrates once again the commitment of these institutions in promoting an education of excellence and supporting young talents on their path of personal growth and development.

Cover photo: image from a previous edition of the University Orientation School, at the Sant'Anna School (archives).