The Île-de-France Region, in collaboration with an organization called Simplon, is working on creating a Regional Digital School at the site of the former Lazare Ponticelli high school in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The school aims to train people in digital fields that are in high demand, reduce the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, and provide new opportunities to young people who are not currently engaged in education or work. The project will involve discussions with the local government of the 13th arrondissement and will include the input of neighborhood residents. Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region, and Yasmine Camara, Vice President responsible for Employment and Training, introduced the project during a public meeting on Saturday, September 19, held at the site of the former Lazare Ponticelli high school. This meeting brought together residents of the 13th arrondissement to learn more about the initiative and share their thoughts. The goal of the Regional Digital School is to match the needs of local businesses with the training and job prospects of people living in Île-de-France. With support from Simplon, which is known for its inclusive training programs in digital fields, the school will focus on skills needed in areas such as data centers, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software development. The project is not only about meeting labor market needs but also about offering young people who are not following traditional educational paths a chance to succeed and integrate into the workforce. The school will primarily target individuals aged 16 and older who have left school or are not currently in education, without requiring any prior technical knowledge. This initiative seeks to address multiple issues at once, including job training, reducing the digital divide, and promoting social inclusion. The former Lazare Ponticelli high school site has been chosen as the location for the school, and the project will be developed in collaboration with the local government and residents of the area. During the public meeting on September 19, residents were given an overview of the project, its goals, and the future plans for the site. Their feedback was collected as part of the ongoing consultation process. The Regional Digital School is expected to open in 2027, offering a new opportunity for education and employment in the digital sector.