ISA-BTP launches its partnership foundation from the Arkinova Park

Operational since September, the ISA-BTP (Aquitaine Higher Institution for Building & Public Works) foundation aims to promote equal opportunity and support innovative educational initiatives. André Joie, Director, explains how it works

Why was the ISA-BTP foundation created?

Several of us wanted to boost individual or collective projects in addition to involving professionals more directly in the development of the school. The tasks of the foundation are to promote both equal opportunity and the ISA-BTP institute as well as to support innovative projects. ISA-BTP is expanding, in particular with the creation of a new 3,500m² building, and hopes to broaden its classes and training programmes. The foundation will participate in this quantitative and qualitative growth. 

How is the foundation organised?

This is a non-profit organisation and its supervisory board was set up on 5 September. Serge Lagaronne, the director of EIFFAGE Sud Aquitaine, was elected chairman and I am the director. I was formerly the director of ISA-BTP. The foundation board also includes university lecturer Claire Lawrence and professor Eva Giret, who were elected secretary and treasurer respectively.

How many companies are involved in the project?

Among the twelve founding members, eleven companies are bringing their financial support to the foundation through an annual donation over five years. ISA-BTP is the twelfth founding member of the organisation. Company support for ISA-BTP already exists via apprenticeship tax, student trainee work placements, work-site visits, project development and, of course, through the recruitment of students.

What are the aims of the foundation?

We have two main goals. We aim to promote equal opportunities by supporting and encouraging student initiatives, whether individual or collective, with a social, ethical and innovative outlook. We also wish to support innovative educational initiatives and technology transfer actions in companies led by teaching teams, school researchers or students.

Are there any projects under way?

Yes, the foundation has assisted a 5^th-year student from ISA-BTP to join the Lausanne Polytechnic School for a 6-month research internship and a 3^rd-year student to present a research thesis on coastal engineering. We would like to thank all the companies who answered our call and our door is always wide open to all supportive actions and donations to this great initiative.

Contact: andre.joieuniv-pau.fr