Working for future generations

CNES has signed agreements with the Regional Education Authority and the University of French Guiana. It sits on the academic and governing boards of the University of French Guiana, on the board of directors of the GIP-FCIP (Public Interest Group for Continuing Education and Professional Integration) and chairs that of the Kourou IUT (University Institute of Technology). 

Agreements with communes also include an education component, specifically dedicated to funding for educational activities, the purchase of equipment and even the refurbishment of schools.

Around 30 scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a three or five-year degree, or higher (in French Guiana or elsewhere), and to young people on apprenticeships outside French Guiana. 
Spaceport companies take on interns at all levels, as well as work-study students. In December 2025, the spaceport had 40 work-study students.

CNES draws on its expertise in satellite telecommunications to help connect campuses and schools. 
The ‘Guyane Connectée: bridging the gaps’ scheme enables schoolchildren in remote areas to follow the first and second year secondary-school curricula from their villages. 
The Kamaguli-Connect campus in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, meanwhile, offers facilities and support to students wishing to pursue higher education through distance learning. 
 

Research benefits from the expertise and grants provided by CNES, for example through funding for PhD theses and teaching resources, or through participation in the space chair project at the University of French Guiana. 

Structural aid is also provided, such as a contribution towards the construction of the research building and laboratories at the University of French Guiana, or the technical facilities for the Regional Hospital Centre project.

Employees at spaceport companies are actively involved in raising young people’s awareness of science, technology and careers in the space sector. Employers at the spaceport, represented by the Local Skills Office, visit schools and career guidance forums to present the various careers available at the spaceport. 

The spaceport also regularly opens its doors to schoolchildren and students for educational visits to its facilities and Guyaspace Expérience. Teachers come here to train in science outreach. 

Science is also promoted through partnerships with associations such as Canopée des Sciences and Guyane Astronomie. CNES provides financial support for rocket, drone and robotics workshops, introductory astronomy sessions, etc.

Finally, the promotion of the technology and space sectors is exemplified by the creation of the Campus for Aerospace Professions and Qualifications. Supported and funded by the CTG, the regional education authority, the University, ArianeGroup and the Association of Space Base Employers (UEBS), this organisation not only enables the creation of training programmes such as the BAC PRO and BTS in aeronautics and space, but also promotes space culture. The Campus has led to the creation of an aviation and space qualification certificate, available online, for all interested young people throughout France.