The third edition of the mentoring operation for students from Lycée Sainte-Marie and Lycée Albert Einstein was launched with the renewed ambition of succeeding in an initiative aimed at bringing two worlds often unknown to each other: the world of education and that of the economy. This link between realities with distinct codes, worldviews and priorities is essential to prepare the future of young people and businesses in the region.
For Vincent Champetier, this third edition of mentoring confirms the importance of this project, which now includes, in addition to students from the BEP, CAP, Bac Pro sectors, those from BTS, integrated since last year. Under the aegis of the Collective carrying the initiative and supported by the Young Enterprise Network (RJE), this approach aims to establish barrier-free exchanges, where mentors and students meet freely, beyond formal discourse. For Vincent Champetier, it's about “keeping the nuggets”: the mentoring moments and lunches with students, designed as spaces conducive to direct dialogue and mutual understanding.
A clear objective: The integration of young people
This launch day symbolizes the collective commitment of nearly 600 local businesses, ready to extend a helping hand to young people in difficulty so as not to “leave them by the side of the road”. Business leaders, true players in mentoring, devote their precious time to guiding these young people who represent the economic and social future of the region. “Not everyone will become an engineer, but there is room for everyone,” underlines one participant, reflecting the diversity of possible paths.
Jean-Marc Gucciardi, kingpin of the operation and principal of the Lycée Sainte-Marie, highlights the exemplary cooperation between the two schools and local businesses. “This mentoring brings together two worlds that have an obligation to live together: it’s vital!” The challenge of mobilizing professionals, who are often overwhelmed, to offer this sharing time is not easy, but it is worth it. For Corine Nègre, it is a collective effort that cannot work without the availability of companies. “They are always there and give their time voluntarily, creating a strong bond and showing students the concrete aspects of their future profession,” she explains.
A springboard towards tomorrow
Beyond the initiatives carried out within establishments, the mentoring project constitutes a lever to energize local youth and attract new talents to the region. For Thierry Delaigue, principal of the Lycée Albert Einstein, the school-business relationship is fundamental: “We meet regularly to boost these links. Here, we are lucky to have committed companies that play the game.” This intergenerational transmission and mobilization aims to prepare young people to meet the challenges of a constantly changing world, including for professions that do not yet exist.
Corine Bonneaud, head of the business office at Einstein High School, concludes with emotion: “Seeing so many businesses and young people together is a great reward.” Mentoring thus becomes much more than an educational project; it is a bridge to the future, a shared investment for the development and integration of young people, with the support of a territory mobilized for their success.
