Promote access to science and technology education, as well as job integration
Convinced that industry can offer high-value-added careers and real opportunities for advancement, we aim to enhance the appeal of scientific and technical fields. The Air Liquide Foundation supports the Group's efforts to break down social barriers, dismantle gender stereotypes, and support populations facing barriers to employment.
To maximize our impact, we prioritize a comprehensive approach spanning from prevention to remediation. The Foundation thus supports non-profit projects sponsored by Air Liquide Group employees around two major pillars:
Access to science and technology education (STEM fields)
From an early age through to higher education, the Foundation wants to prevent school dropouts and self-censorship, particularly among young girls. It supports:
- Awareness and role models: Meetings with industry professionals to provide relatable figures they can identify with.
- Hands-on learning: Learning science through play and practical experimentation starting in primary school.
- Mentoring and academic security: Tutoring and scholarships to support young people from low-income backgrounds through higher education (technical institutes, engineering schools)
Job integration through skill acquisition
The Foundation supports innovative integration projects for young apprentices, adults undergoing rehabilitation, or people with disabilities. It primarily targets technical and industrial professions facing labor shortages, and the rollout of welding schools across the Europe Economic Area.
The Foundation wants each beneficiary to take control of their professional destiny.
The Foundation relies on Air Liquide’s expertise and its footprint. Through its experience, flexibility and backing of innovative projects, it complements public action.
Testimonial
"My feedback is very positive. Following projects is a well-tested process at the Foundation , where we remain close throughout the different stages of the project. It includes an initial visit, followed by an update half-way through the project and a final meeting to assess completion. In addition to following two "Sports dans la Ville'' projects (creation of a "Golden Goal" centre in Bobigny and a "Job dans la Ville" academy in Pantin, east of Paris), I organised a visit to Air Liquide's Paris Innovation Campus so young people could meet Air Liquide employees and learn about technical jobs. Beyond the financial support, establishing lasting ties between Air Liquide and the non profits we support seems to me both relevant and beneficial. Making a contribution, however modest, to the professional integration of young people from underprivileged areas, is a great satisfaction."
Raphaël Grandeau, Research Engineer at Air Liquide (Campus Innovation Paris) & Monitoring Manager of Sport in la Ville Île-de-France
