Particle Physics Masterclasses are a successful tool to engage high-school students with high energy physics. Young people become scientists for one day and perform a tailor-made physics analysis involving real LHC data under the supervision of physicists. In this way students experience methods and tools used in research and gain an appreciation for fundamental science. The International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG) has organized International Masterclasses for 13 years. Each year in spring, universities and research labs in more than 50 countries worldwide open their doors and invite high-school students to experience life at the forefront of basic research. In 2016, about 13.000 young people took part in the program.
In 2017, a new facet was added to the program. On the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), Masterclass activities were launched by IPPOG for the first time to support and promote the access of women and girls to science education and research activities. Universities and research labs organized 10 Masterclasses for girls. About 320 girls participated in the events organized by female scientists and analyzed LHC data. 3 videoconferences with CERN were held where the girls talked to CERN women scientists and learned about the careers of these role models.