France: Unlocking the academic capabilities of teenagers
A mentoring programme to help motivated students achieve their academic and career ambitions
Challenging socio-economic conditions can create barriers to education and limit access to professional opportunities. In the Paris region, we support an initiative entitled Promotion of Excellence, which aims to unlock the potential of motivated and deserving teenagers.
A structured mentoring programme
Launched in 2021, our Promotion of Excellence project supports talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds living in the Paris regions. Each cohort is supported over a period of three academic years, providing continuous guidance during a critical phase of their development.
Students are paired with Givaudan mentors, who provide one-to-one support and guidance. This includes helping them explore different career paths, prepare for internships, and gain a better understanding of the professional world.
Building confidence and broadening horizons
The programme focuses on both academic and personal development. Through mentoring, cultural activities, and public speaking training, students build self-confidence and develop the skills needed to express themselves clearly and engage with new environments.
These experiences help broaden their horizons and enable them to consider opportunities they may previously have seen as out of reach.
The first cohort, supported from 2021 to 2024, demonstrated significant progress, particularly in terms of self-confidence, oral expression, and the development of clear academic and career aspirations.
Givaudan volunteers are currently supporting a second cohort of students, who will be accompanied through to the end of the 2026–2027 academic year.
