Ethan Galliou, a second-year student in the PGE program, has been Hugo's tutor for two years. Hugo is a student in the 11th grade STI2D program.
Ethan Galliou, second-year student in the PGE program
What motivated you to become a tutor?
I discovered OPTIM when I arrived in my first year at Cluny. I wanted to get involved in something other than classes after prep school. OPTIM is perfect for volunteering and helping students in difficulty. I like the idea of seeing a student develop and motivating them by showing them the different paths available in higher education.
What is your role with the student you are supporting?
I am mainly there to keep him on track during exercises. Sometimes I introduce new concepts, but most of the time I correct his mistakes, explain the method, and provide problem-solving techniques. If he needs additional explanations on a part of the lesson, we spend time on it. My goal is to challenge him, build his confidence, and make learning enjoyable.
What advice would you give to a student who is hesitant about becoming a tutor?
You may worry that you won't be up to the task, but there's no need: the lessons are there, and any gaps in knowledge can be quickly filled in. The priority is to create a climate of trust so that the mentee feels comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Mentoring provides a real learning environment and is beneficial for both the mentor and the mentee.
If you had to sum up in one word or phrase what tutoring brings you, what would you say?
Pride.
Hugo (high school student in 11th grade, STI2D)
How does tutoring help you in your academic career?
I understand certain difficult concepts better and I am making progress. I review my tests in depth and then go over them with my tutor to understand my mistakes.
What difficulties were you able to overcome thanks to the program?
Difficulties understanding math and physics. I improved my study methods and gained confidence in tackling exercises and tests.
What does it mean to be accompanied by Ethan?
It's reassuring and motivating. I benefit from his advice, I can easily ask questions, and I better understand points that the teacher didn't cover in depth in class.
Oscar, a tutor at Robert Schuman College in Mâcon, is also a team leader.
Oscar Deletang (first-year student in the PGE program)
What motivated you to become an OPTIM tutor?
I like to help and make myself useful. Tutoring middle school students gives me a sense of responsibility and allows me to provide the help that I didn't necessarily have in middle school.
What is your role with the student you are supporting?
A guiding role. There is a lot of discussion about guidance, both in terms of studies and careers.
What advice would you give to a student who is unsure about becoming a tutor?
When mentoring, it is important to remember that you are part of a team: you are not mentoring alone, you can count on your colleagues if you encounter difficulties. And if you feel you need help, don't hesitate to ask for it.
If you had to summarize in a few words what tutoring brings you?
Responsibility, commitment, and cohesion.
Soucouta Sonko is an OPTIM tutor in the same team as Oscar at Schuman Middle School.
Soucouta Sonko (first-year student in the PGE program)
What motivated you to become an OPTIM tutor?
I enjoy answering students' questions and helping them achieve their goals. My testimony helps them put their difficulties into perspective.
What is your role with the student you are supporting?
We work with a group of 16 middle school students, so it's difficult to take a case-by-case approach. I help them work on their weaknesses (math and French), with concrete goals to ensure they are ready and confident for their exams, and then high school.
What advice would you give to a student who is unsure about becoming a tutor?
Mentoring helps both parties progress. Mentees often sign up on their own initiative and are highly motivated. For our part, we must accept the role of role models that students assign to us and be a driving force when motivation wanes.
If you had to summarize in a few words what tutoring brings you?
Questioning and open-mindedness.
Anis (9th grader)
How does tutoring help you in your academic journey?
The tutors give me confidence. They help me with my homework and think about my future.
What are the main difficulties you have been able to overcome?
No major difficulties to report.
What does it mean to be supported by engineering students?
It gives me confidence. The tutors are from our generation. They understand us, and it's easier to talk to them than to a teacher.
About OPTIM
For 20 years, OPTIM's Cordée de la réussite has been mobilizing volunteer tutors to support high school students.
Committed students play an active and positive role in society by supporting young people in their academic and career guidance. "Tutors develop personal and interpersonal skills that are useful for their professional lives," emphasizes Isabelle Duband, the professor in charge of the program. Since career guidance is a major factor in inequality, it is very important to take action to remove barriers related to gender, social background, and location. "
The class of 2025 at the Cluny campus includes 38 girls, representing 23% of the cohort. This percentage has doubled compared to last year.
"With an increasing number of female role models, the number of female students choosing to pursue an engineering degree could follow the same trend," hopes Isabelle DUBAND.
In figures (2025–2026)
62 volunteer student tutors
109 students tutored from 8th grade to 12th grade
5 partner secondary schools
