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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Certificationsblah blah blah
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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When do the accelerator applications open?The official date for the 2025 - 2026 cohort is TBD.
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Who is eligible for the accelerator?College students and young professionals between the ages of 16-26.
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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.
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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.
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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
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

Sébastien N. Francois
CEO & Founder

Ada Onyekaba
Chief Operations Officer

Fatimah Onanusi
Executive Assistant

Iamka Martinez @ AWS
Corporate Partnerships

Maryam Tello
Tech Lead

Kayin Ivery
Community Manager

Morgan Young
Social Media Manager

Brittany
Fundraiser