
Civic Engagement · 2025â2026
At aivancity, learning about artificial intelligence and data isnât limited to classrooms, technology projects or business use cases.
Training the talent that will design the intelligent systems of tomorrow also means raising their awareness of the human, social and societal realities that accompany technological change.
It is with this in mind that aivancity continues its Civic Engagement programme, an initiative that enables students to get actively involved with impact-driven associations and organisations, working towards causes of public interest.
For the 2025â2026 academic year, these initiatives focused on solidarity, inclusion and supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
The initiatives carried out this year covered a wide range of themes: tackling social vulnerability, supporting young people, assisting refugees, supporting the elderly, social inclusion, health and the environment.
Beyond the figures, these projects offer students the opportunity to discover realities that are often far removed from their everyday lives and to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by many people.
Among the many testimonies gathered this year, some particularly illustrate the impact of these experiences. One of the students involved recounts:
âDuring one assignment, we had the chance to speak with someone in a precarious situation who turned out to be the former founder of what had once been a promising start-up. That encounter made a deep impression on me. It reminded me just how much a personâs life can change overnight, even when everything seems to be going well. Beyond the help we provided, this experience taught me humility, how to listen, and the importance of never judging someone by their current circumstances.â
This kind of encounter perfectly illustrates the programmeâs aim: to enable students to develop a human understanding of social issues whilst strengthening their ability to listen, empathise and adapt.
Once again this year, numerous organisations have supported the students in their missions. Among them:
These partnerships enable us to offer a variety of projects, tailored to studentsâ interests and the needs of local communities. They also demonstrate aivancityâs commitment to building lasting links with the voluntary and community sector.
Feedback gathered at the end of the placements demonstrates the positive impact of this approach.
Civic engagement thus ceases to be merely an educational experience and becomes a habit, and sometimes even a long-term commitment. Several students emphasise this, saying:
âIâve learnt that a smile is essential; people need it.â
âThese placements have helped me grow; theyâve given me confidence.â
âGetting involved has made me feel useful â really.â
Whilst students develop advanced skills in artificial intelligence, data science and innovation throughout their degree programme, civic engagement also enables them to strengthen skills that have become essential within organisations:
These are all personal qualities that complement technical expertise and help to develop professionals capable of thriving in complex and constantly changing environments.
The programmeâs impact is also praised by the organisations themselves. The organisation Ă CĆur de la Rue notes in particular:
âAs in the previous year, everything went very well. Some students even continue to come along outside the programme to take part in our activities and maintain the bond theyâve formed with the organisation. Itâs a real pleasure to welcome young people who are motivated, committed and keen to help others.â
This recognition testifies to the quality of the studentsâ commitment and the relevance of a teaching approach that places people at the heart of the course.
At aivancity, we are convinced that the future of artificial intelligence does not rest solely on mastery of technology. It also depends on the ability of future professionals to understand the impacts of their decisions, to take ethical and societal issues into account, and to put their skills at the service of the common good.
Through the Civic Engagement programme, aivancity is thus continuing its mission: to trainAIgineersÂź capable of combining technological expertise, an understanding of organisations and social responsibility.
Because artificial intelligence needs skilled people.
And because society needs commitment.