The 23rd edition of Campus Ítaca comes to an end

The closing ceremonies, filled with the families of the students, took place simultaneously in the conference halls of the Faculty of Political Science and Sociology and the UAB Rectorat building.

The closing ceremony of the second session of the Campus Ítaca programme took place on Wednesday 15 July, attended by students, their families, the team of instructors, teaching staff, and representatives from collaborating institutions. The programme aims to encourage students to continue their education beyond compulsory schooling and brings the university experience closer to young people who often do not view it as an option.

The closing session provided an opportunity for students to present their work and share the insights they gained during the programme. Over the course of three weeks, participants developed projects in various fields—such as communication, science, politics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence—with the guidance of UAB lecturers and staff.

Just as at the end of the first session, the closing events took place simultaneously in the conference halls of the Faculty of Political Science and Sociology and in the UAB Rectorat building.

At the Rectorat building, the event featured a welcome address by UAB Rector Javier Lafuente and speeches by Xavier Martínez, secretary general of the Inter-University Council of Catalonia, and Jordi Prat, director of the UAB Solidarity Foundation (FAS). Elizabeth Segovia—a former Campus participant and current UAB student—also took part via a video screening.

Meanwhile, the other closing event was attended by Xavier Ramos, UAB Vice-Rector for Economy; Marcel·lina Bosch, coordinator of the Education Area at the Barcelona Provincial Council; Gisela Garcia, former Campus Ítaca participant; and Àlex Márquez, programme coordinator.

Rector Javier Lafuente spoke very highly of Campus Ítaca, describing it as a "flagship programme" for the UAB. "Organising this programme is a challenge that we are excited about, which is why we aim to make it as far-reaching as possible. It moves me when I listen to you, and I am happy to see everything you have achieved," he noted. In closing, Rector Lafuente shared a message with the young participants: "Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do—go ahead and pursue whatever you set your minds to!" Xavier Martínez highlighted that Campus Ítaca is a pioneering initiative with a strong social commitment and that there is no equal: "That is why we want to see more Campus Ítaca programmes like this at other universities."

Marcel·lina Bosch, coordinator of the Education Department at the Barcelona Provincial Council, addressed the students and highlighted that "the important thing about education is that the individual is at the centre, and today, the important people are you."

Both Elizabeth Segovia and Gisela Garcia—former programme participants and current university students—shared their experiences and encouraged the young people to continue their studies and make the most of these educational opportunities.

A small sample of everything they have learned

The spotlight of the event was on the Campus participants. The various groups presented the projects they had carried out during their stay, offering a glimpse of what they had learned over the course of seven days. Some of the young people concluded that they had not only gained significant knowledge about producing a television programme or forensic anthropology, but had also gained a deep understanding of the University and felt motivated about their future.

The winners of the Campus’s art and literary competitions were also announced during the event. Salma Seghrouchni received the prize for the literary competition, while Yanira Sánchez was awarded first prize in the art competition.

The closing ceremony marked the end of an edition that brought together 324 third-year secondary school students from 67 schools and 15 municipalities in Vallès Occidental, thereby consolidating Campus Ítaca as a key socio-educational initiative for fostering academic aspirations and bringing the university closer to young people.

This socio-educational programme is managed by the FAS, in collaboration with the Faculty of Education, and is supported by the Vallès Occidental County Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Government of Catalonia, and the participating municipalities (Badia del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès, Castellar del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Montcada i Reixac, Palau-solità i Plegamans, Polinyà, Ripollet, Rubí, Sabadell, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Sentmenat, and Terrassa).

All of the photos from the first and second session can be found on the FAS website and social network channels.