Telemachus is a national association born in 2005, from the observation that if in the priority neighborhoods many young people are invested in their schoolingthey can see their journey slowed down by their social or territorial origin.
“They do not have the same chances as others to succeed, and to have a future that matches their potential and their desires” explains Morgane Buys-Bour, head of Télémaque for the Grenoble branch.
Fight against inequality of opportunity and social determinism
To fight in the territories against inequalities of opportunity and social determinism, Télémaque has created regional agencies, including one in Grenoble. “The Rhône-Alpes branch was opened in 2006 in Lyon, then in Grenoble immediately. Today, we are present in eight regions, or 11 branches”.
11 branches including four in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (with Clermont-Ferrand and Saint-Etienne), i.e. 2,000 young people supported, including 111 in Grenoble.
“36 were integrated this year. In fact, we work over the long term, and in partnership with the Ministry of National Education. The support is individual and lasts from year 5 to year 12. We can also follow students on the professional path: in this case the support begins in high school.
The association works with students of priority education network colleges in Grenoble, Echirolles, and Voiron.
Télémaque: tutors from education and the business world
The students followed benefit from a double mentorat, with a mentor from education, and a mentor from a partner company or community. “In Grenoble, we work with the metropolis, the City, the Department, but also with Schneider, the CEA, Soitec… also with SMEs and smaller companies.”
Tutors who are responsible for devoting one day per month to their godson, for him introduce you to the business worldbut also the world in general, through cultural outings, activities… “We also work on academic success and confidence.”
The association offers financial assistance, to do the activities with its mentor, and can help find internships, when students do not have the network to integrate the companies that interest them
Télémaque Grenoble works with a annual budget of 115,000 eurosincluding 25% public funding and the rest raised from private partners.
A first graduate ceremony in Grenoble
Télémaque finally offers collective support, in order to create a “community of success” dynamic.
“Each year we organize a baccalaureate ceremony to congratulate our young graduates. Usually organized in Paris, this year we chose to localize this event. We therefore did it in October, in the presence of mentors and partner establishments… at Grenoble City Hall. It was an opportunity for workshops on citizenship.
In France, 44% of young people from fragile territories continue their studies after the baccalaureate. A figure which rises to 98% for young people supported by the association, and who can benefit from the continuation of Télémaque support, via the Alumni program.
