Who we are
The Sète-Pleasantville Collaborative (SPC) is a unique cultural and educational exchange program, founded by two retired IBM Research colleagues with a shared vision of fostering understanding through science and culture. The program brings together students and educators from the U.S. and France, giving them the opportunity to share their projects and immerse themselves in each other’s cultures and languages.
This year, the exchange has already created incredible memories:
- In April 2024, students from Pleasantville traveled to Sète, France, where they presented their projects and experienced French culture firsthand.
- In November 2024, students from Sète came to Pleasantville to do the same, forging friendships and building bridges across borders.
None of this would be possible without the dedication and support of our educators.
A little history
- Paul Borrel and Jurij Paraszczak worked at IBM Research
- Paul returned to Sete and connected with Sete Expo Sciences which had been sponsoring science and technology collaboration for many years
- Paul reached out to Jurij and we decided to create a cross pond collaboration
- Working with Deb Hurdis and Christine Pallotta, we identified 3 students in Pville and associated projects
- After many zoom sessions with Sète the Pville contingent visited Sete to participate in an exposition
- Deb and Christine prepared the students and came to Sete with us
- 7 months later Sète came to Pville and history ensued
