The Female Professional School of Milan was founded in 1870 and was the first female professional school in Italy. It was started on the initiative of a committee chaired by Laura Solera Mantegazza and it was directed by Alessandra Ravizza and Enrichetta Montalenti. It changed its name in honour of Mantegazza to become La Scuola Mantegazza and provided women with the knowledge and the skills necessary to provide for themselves by the exercise of useful arts and industry.