An association helps young people access the major schools of Paris: we explain

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The federation From the Territory to the Grandes Écoles was created in 2017 to bring together, through local associations, students, graduates of all ages and entrepreneurs wishing to act in favor of equal opportunities and the development of their territory.

This federation started from a sad observation: “ Parisian students are almost three times more likely to access a major school than non-Île-de-France students”. A situation confirmed by a study by the Public Policy Institute, published in 2021.

The Jura branch created at the end of 2021

Today, the federation brings together 58 local associationsincluding Du Jura aux Grandes Écoles, created in November 2021 at the initiative of the Jura Christophe Boillonformer student of the National School of Administration (Ena). “He contacted me and I launched alongside around ten other qualified members. We said to ourselves: 'We got there but unfortunately some give up along the way'. We had to smooth out inequalities,” he tells Voice of Jura Vincent Thommelinpresident of the Jura branch.

Self-censorship and discrimination

According to the association, access to selective schools is hampered for various reasons. The first, self-censorship. In fact, certain high school students in the region would integrate the idea that such a journey would not be made for them. “When they realize that ultimately it’s not what they like, okay that’s fine. But sometimes this thinking comes from a lack of confidence or limiting thoughts from those around you», Regrets Vincent Thommelin, himself a graduate of the Toulouse Business School and Sciences Po Toulouse.

But as the Public Policy Institute study indicates, some establishments voluntarily favor students from the Ile-de-France region . A choice that the president deplores: “A high school student who comes from rural areas is a more interesting profileIn my opinion. He will get used to the Paris region and will also know the rural world. He will have something extra. »

Lack of information

One of the main factors also,the cost linked to the distance from selective sectors . Indeed, it may prove difficult to finance such a school ( more than €60,000for three years at HEC for example) and rent in the capital.

Vincent Thommelin also emphasizes difficulties in accessing informationdespite “the exceptional work done by the teaching staff”: “If my family had not warned me at the time that there were preparatory classes, I would not have known about it. A friend only heard about it in final year class too. »

However, he would like to highlight the “excellent initiative” of the Jura Chamber of Commerce and Industry which will organize during the school year one night of orientation . When contacted, the CCI confirmed this information to us. “But nothing is planned yet,” she explains.

Interventions and support

To compensate for these inequalities, the association organizes throughout the year interventions in general high schoolsof the department. The principle: present each person’s journey and the organization’s missions. “Seeing successful graduates from their high school, they can identify and project themselves », explains Vincent Thommelin.

The association even offers student volunteers support through a mentoring program. The president explains: “We can follow them and help them on various points, to write a cover letterfor example, or explain to them how to pass a particular competition. »

Merit scholarship

If certain local branches have a merit scholarship systemthis is not yet the case for that of Jura. “It’s a long file to prepare. We are currently discussing it with a partner bank,” declares the president. And to justify: “We prefer to take the time and do it well, but it’s a promise. We hope this will be implemented during the year 2025. »

Company visits

From Jura to Grandes Écoles has another objective: to develop the territory by encouraging students to return to work in the department. To do this, it plans to organize this year company visitsin order “to create a link between the economic fabric and the educational fabric. »

The association also plans to contact the parliamentarians of Jura. “We have three deputies who are doing remarkable work on the ground, they can be an important relay,” assures Vincent Thommelin.

Today the association brings together seven members, graduates and students. “We would be delighted to welcome other members.The Jura is full of beautiful routesas much as it helps! »

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