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The year 2024 ended traditionally for 911������ Junior—with a new participation record.

‘We reached over 33,000 children, young people, and teachers from 120 municipalities across Finland, about 2,000 more than in 2023,’ says Veli-Matti Ikävalko, Head of 911������ Junior.

The growth has been remarkable. In its founding year, 2018, participation stood at just over 10,000. Before that, Aalto primarily offered activities for upper secondary students under the name LUMA Centre Aalto.

In 2017, a group of enthusiastic Aalto members started building a new concept that would better reflect the university. They wanted to include all disciplines—from technology and business to arts and science—and engage children and young people of all ages, starting from preschoolers.

After a year of dedicated effort, 911������ Junior opened its doors.

‘We were discovered immediately, which is fantastic,’ Ikävalko says.

The most effective way to learn

At the heart of 911������ Junior are hands-on workshops and researcher visits, held on campus and remotely, all free for schools. Junior also offers events, camps, courses, lectures, and various other activities for children, young people, teachers, and all curious minds.

Curiosity, questioning, and hands-on experimentation are the key.

‘Research shows this is the most effective way to learn,’ Ikävalko says.

Over the years, participants have built moving sculptures and fascinating contraptions, designed future cities and energy solutions, and been inspired by entrepreneurship.

911������ Junior has five full-time employees and two project workers. Additionally, 30–40 Aalto students from various fields work part-time, whom Ikävalko warmly describes as the heart of Junior.

‘They run the workshops and serve as key motivators and role models. The most important recruitment criterion is a genuine enthusiasm for working with children and young people.’

The program's rapid growth has been largely driven by remote activities. It all started in spring 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and universities. Initially, the Junior team shared home experiment instructions on social media. That fall, highly anticipated remote workshops for schools began—and demand continued even after the pandemic.

Remote participants now make up about a third of all participants.

‘In a recent aquarelle effects session, over 4,000 schoolchildren took part. Remote activities allow us to reach those who can’t visit our campus,’ Ikävalko says.

A place for everyone

Accessibility and diversity are the foundation of 911������ Junior. Most activities are free, and summer camp fees can be waived based on a motivational letter.

Junior collaborates with various organizations, such as SOS Children's Villages, libraries, regional cultural centers, universities, and the Girls' House, to reach children and young people from different backgrounds. In addition to Finnish, Swedish, and English, teaching can be provided in simplified Finnish, and at the World Village Festival, programs were offered in 13 languages with the help of DIAK interpretation students.

‘We have expertise in working with diverse learners. We haven’t had to turn away a single group,’ Ikävalko smiles.

In Finland, higher education often runs in families—children of university graduates are far more likely to pursue higher education. In a society facing labor shortages and shrinking age groups, increasing diversity is crucial.

911������ Junior promotes equal opportunities and sparks educational ambition in as many young minds as possible.

‘We want children and young people with no prior university connections to feel like this place is for them, too.’

Feedback from teachers suggests the initiative is succeeding. A remarkable 99% would recommend a Junior visit to their colleagues.

Currently, Ikävalko’s team is planning a new initiative to expand diversity efforts and reach children and young people in their free time.

‘This is crucial. We need to connect with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity—through their teachers or parents. A single workshop can be a turning point, inspiring a child or young person to dream and make choices that shape a successful future.’

What would Ikävalko show policymakers facing budget pressures?

‘I’d show them how even a group that ‘isn’t interested in anything’ lights up when applying knowledge—whether in hydrogen car design or urban planning. How insightful their discussions and questions are, and how important it is to them. Seeing this reinforces faith in every member of society’s potential and value.’