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We’re a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the futures of underrepresented students. By building a powerful network across non-target universities, we deliver mentorship, training, and career opportunities that empower diverse talent to excel in the world’s most competitive industries.

What Do We Do?

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  • Certifications
    blah blah blah
  • How are coaches matched with students?
    Coaches are paired with students based on their career fields, areas of expertise, and specific goals. We carefully consider both coach and student preferences to ensure the most beneficial match for professional growth.
  • My Company is a Premium Partner - what does that mean?
    In addition to the resources provided for students, our partners support corporate volunteers through programs including donation matching, Giving programs to compensate volunteer hours, and designated volunteer events.
  • How can I get started?
    To get involved, please complete our volunteer form, where you can indicate your areas of interest. Once we receive your form, we’ll reach out to discuss next steps and match you with an opportunity that aligns with your expertise and availability.
  • What is the time commitment for fellows?
    Admitted students commit to 1 hour meetings every week from the start of the cohort in October until April, with 2 hours of work expected outside of meetings.
  • What is the application process like?
    Students submit their resume and LinkedIn and fill out our application. They then are selected for an interview and are notified of our decision by the start of October. Partners and Volunteers have separate forms where they can easily indicate interest and we will notify them within 48 hours.
  • When do the accelerator applications open?
    The official date for the 2025 - 2026 cohort is TBD.
  • Who is eligible for the accelerator?
    College students and young professionals between the ages of 16-26.
  • What is our strategy?
    We source, train, and place tomorrow’s leaders by offering access to mentorship, industry-aligned training, and an Ivy League-level recruiting experience. By partnering with students from non-target universities, we equip them with the skills, professional networks, and experiences needed to excel in top-tier roles.
  • What is our vision?
    We are dedicated to transforming the future for students attending non-target universities. By creating this strong network, we provide the mentorship, skills, and career pathways needed to level the playing field.
  • What is our mission?
    We aim to bridge the gap for ambitious students from non-target universities by providing mentorship, training, and unparalleled career opportunities in tech, banking, and consulting.

Goals & Future Initiatives

By 2027

150

Student

Placements

500+

Student

Placements

120

Underrepresented Universities 

1.7K+

Underrepresented Universities 

30

HBCUs

107+

HBCUs

20

Partner

Companies

100+

Partner

Companies

About the Founder

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From UMass to McKinsey & Company to founding Propel2Excel, click the button below to read Sebastien Francois's journey

About the Founder

The founder of Propel2Excel, Inc. began his college journey at Boston College but transferred to UMass due to financial challenges, earning a degree in Business Management. While at UMass, he secured offers from Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, ultimately joining McKinsey & Company's strategy consulting practice. While at McKinsey & Company, he saw firsthand the gap in opportunities between Ivy League and state school students. Determined to bridge this gap, he helped dozens of friends secure roles at top firms like Google and JPMC. Today, as Founder & CEO of Propel2Exel, he connects talented students from non-target schools to life-changing career opportunities.

MEET OUR TEAM

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Sébastien N. Francois

CEO & Founder

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Ada Onyekaba

Chief Operations Officer

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Fatimah Onanusi

Executive Assistant

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Iamka Martinez @ AWS

Corporate Partnerships

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Maryam Tello

Tech Lead

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Kayin Ivery

Community Manager

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Morgan Young

Social Media Manager

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Brittany

Fundraiser

Contact

Got any questions or suggestions. Fill out this form to reach out

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© Propel2Excel, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved

Propel2Excel, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 99-2848522). Classified as a public charity under IRC Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), contributions to Propel2Excel are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law (effective date of exemption: April 4, 2024).

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