Addressing Youth Mental Health Through Systems Change
As part of the Impact Investing & Social Entrepreneurship for Systemic Change Certificate, students from Grande Ecole Masters and MBA took on one of today's most pressing societal challenges: youth mental health. Through an innovative Grand Challenge designed and led by Adrien Baudet from Koréis, students applied systems thinking and impact measurement tools to develop actionable recommendations for impact investors.
A flagship learning experience of the Certificate
One of the highlights of this year's certificate was undoubtedly the Grand Challenge developed by Koréis and integrated throughout the six-week learning journey.
Led by Adrien Baudet and Gabrielle Gautier, from Koréis and a recognized expert in impact measurement, the challenge invited participants to explore youth mental health as a complex systemic issue shaped by social, economic, institutional, and human factors. Through a series of workshops, students learned how to diagnose a social issue, identify systemic levers for change, and assess the potential impact of investment strategies.
Exploring youth mental health across countries
Working in teams, participants explored youth mental health across different national contexts, including Canada, South Korea, France, Chile, India, and Singapore.
Each team selected a specific mental health challenge affecting young people in its chosen context and analyzed it through a systemic lens.
Drawing on systems thinking methodologies, participants examined root causes, mapped key actors, identified barriers and opportunities, and developed recommendations aimed at fostering long-term systemic change. They also assessed the economic and social costs of inaction and explored how impact investing could contribute to addressing these issues.
The final presentations showcased the depth and quality of the students' work.
Each team delivered a compelling analysis supported by rigorous research, clear theories of change, and well-developed investment recommendations. The diversity of country perspectives enriched the discussions and highlighted both the universal and context-specific dimensions of youth mental health.
The quality of the presentations reflected not only the participants' engagement throughout the program but also their ability to translate complex societal challenges into concrete and actionable solutions.
A collective effort
The final jury played a key role in enriching the learning experience through thoughtful questions and expert feedback.
We warmly thank:
Adrien Baudet (CEO and Founder, Koréis) ; Gabrielle Gautier (Koréis) ; Pierre-Philippe Lacroix (Ares) ; Emmanuelle Severino (ESSEC Business School) ; Marie Decreton (Action Tank) ; Elyse Michael-Berger ; Daria Mieszkielo et Bénédicte Faivre-Tavignot (HEC Paris).
Their expertise, commitment, and generosity were greatly appreciated by the participants.
A special thank you goes to Adrien Baudet, whose vision, expertise, and dedication made this Grand Challenge a truly transformative experience. His contribution was instrumental in helping participants understand how impact measurement and systems thinking can be mobilized to address some of society's most complex challenges.
The Grand Challenge perfectly embodied the ambition of the certificate: equipping current and future changemakers with the tools, frameworks, and mindset needed to drive meaningful and lasting systemic change.