Our impact
The Lyon Hub is founded on a strong commitment to developing, structuring, and implementing social impact initiatives that address critical local challenges. At the core of our mission, we focus on two key areas: education and professional integration. Currently, we are leading four impactful initiatives in partnership with prominent local organizations such as SINGA, JOB IRL, Année Lumière, and AFEV. These initiatives, diverse in scope and ambition, highlight the power of collective action to drive meaningful and lasting change.
Thanks to the dedication of our members, the unwavering support of our partners, and the backing of the World Economic Forum, we have already positively impacted over 10,000 individuals in the Greater Lyon area. But our work is far from over. We are determined to scale our efforts, expand our initiatives, and deepen our impact to help shape the future of our community.
​
This is where you come in.
We are looking for passionate and driven young leaders—individuals with vision, talent, and a strong desire to create meaningful change. By joining the Lyon Hub, you will become part of a dynamic and ambitious network, collaborating with like-minded changemakers to empower communities and transform lives.
If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to this inspiring mission,
we encourage you to join us!
📩 Reach out to us at contact@gslyon.fr or apply via the link below.
Supporting refugees in their professional reintegration journeys
This initiative empowers dedicated volunteers—whether Shapers or members of the SINGA association—to support newcomers to France in their job search. These individuals, often refugees, require guidance as they navigate the complexities of the French job market and adapt to a new professional environment.
The program pairs each newcomer with a local mentor who provides personalized, long-term support, including job search assistance, feedback on CVs and cover letters, and advice on professional behavior. Through regular interactions, this mentorship fosters a mutually enriching relationship, offering both practical guidance and meaningful human connection. Since the health crisis, many of these exchanges have transitioned to a virtual format.
As part of the Buddy Pro program, we also organize speed-dating recruitment sessions with partner companies, creating direct employment opportunities and expanding professional networks for participants.
Developing socio-educational initiatives in underserved neighbourhoods
The Shapers actively contribute to the "Cordées de la Réussite" program, which promotes equal access to higher education, empowering young people—regardless of their socio-cultural background—to pursue pathways to excellence. By providing the right tools and guidance, the initiative helps break down barriers to academic and professional success.
In partnership with AFEV, the Global Shapers engage with these students through interactive workshops designed to boost their confidence. Through concrete examples and real-life success stories, the program demonstrates that their current circumstances do not define their future potential, inspiring them to aim higher and seize new opportunities.
Guiding 14–25-year-olds in their
educational and professional journeys
JobIRL is the first career orientation network that connects young people aged 14–25 with professionals, offering them direct insights into various careers and industries.
The Shapers collaborate with JobIRL by organizing workshops where they share their personal career journeys, offer testimonials, and introduce young people to different professions. These interactive sessions provide practical guidance for students and job seekers exploring their educational and professional paths.
By complementing existing career counseling resources, these initiatives also help expand young people's professional networks, fostering equal opportunities and empowering them to make informed career choices.
Supporting 16–24-year-olds in building their future careers
Année Lumière is an organization that supports young people in exploring their environment and shaping meaningful career and life plans through structured programs lasting six to nine months.
In partnership with Année Lumière, the Global Shapers contribute by offering one-on-one mentorship and leading group workshops designed to help individuals aged 16 to 24 develop self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to take action. Through these interactions, participants gain the tools and mindset needed to make informed decisions about their future.
Democratizing coding and application development
Developed in partnership with EMLYON, Samsung, and NetBeans, CODAPPS.IO is the first MOOC designed to help beginners in coding and entrepreneurs learn how to create native, cross-platform mobile applications for Android, iOS, and Windows phones. This accessible and practical program empowers participants with essential coding skills, enabling them to bring their app ideas to life.
Facilitating professional transitions into digital careers
Created by Diversidays, an organization dedicated to promoting equal opportunities in tech, this program was launched in response to the economic crisis triggered by COVID-19, which led to a 9% rise in unemployment and a 34% economic slowdown in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
The initiative aims to support 10,000 individuals across 10 French regions who are underrepresented in the tech industry. Beneficiaries follow a structured six-step pathway, during which the Global Shapers play a key role by facilitating five skill-building workshops. These sessions equip more than 100 job seekers with digital expertise, helping them develop critical tech skills and transition into new career opportunities in the sector.