Papastratos and Athens University of Economics Sign MOU for Youth Development
Athens, June 25 – Papastratos and the Department of Management Science and Technology (DMST) of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) yesterday presented their strategic partnership under Papastratos’ major initiative FutuReady Greece. This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term investment in the knowledge, skills, and prospects of the next generation.
The event, held in Athens, was attended by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, alongside representatives from the academic community, journalists, and company executives. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Papastratos and AUEB’s DMST department is a significant step for FutuReady Greece, an initiative announced to celebrate Papastratos’ 95th year in Greece, looking ahead to its centenary.
Investing in Future Generations
Through FutuReady Greece, Papastratos aims to consistently invest in young people, providing opportunities for education, skills development, and professional growth. The ultimate goal is to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that the future of work will present.
A core component of the MOU is the provision of 50 scholarships over the next five years. These scholarships are specifically for students from regions outside Athens who enroll in the Department of Management Science and Technology, commencing with the new academic year. Each scholarship is renewable for up to four years of study, with a total value of 26,000 euros per recipient. Selection criteria will include geographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as academic performance, which will be evaluated at the end of each academic year.
Comprehensive Partnership Framework
Beyond scholarships, the strategic partnership encompasses a broader framework designed to connect students and recent graduates with Papastratos’ paid internship program, known as the FutuReady Internship Program. Additionally, graduates of the DMST department will have access to the company’s international talent development program, the Graduates Program.
The collaboration also facilitates direct interaction between Papastratos executives and students through lectures within undergraduate courses and organized educational visits to company facilities. This aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the professional world.
Joint studies and research initiatives are also planned, focusing on critical areas such as technology trends, essential skills for the future workforce, and the challenges confronting the next generation.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, underscored the importance of the collaboration: “The partnership between the Athens University of Economics and Business and Papastratos is a particularly significant example of connecting the academic community with society and the labor market, for the benefit of students and young people striving to achieve their goals. AUEB has consistently been one of the most outward-looking and dynamic universities in the country, with a strong international presence, innovative study programs, and significant academic distinctions. Papastratos’ initiative, with the provision of 50 scholarships, mentoring programs, and professional development opportunities, is a meaningful investment in our young people.”
Vasilis Vasdekis, Rector of AUEB, echoed these sentiments, stating: “The collaboration of the Athens University of Economics and Business, through the Department of Management Science and Technology, with Papastratos is a particularly important initiative with a meaningful academic and social footprint. The award of 50 scholarships over the next five years to students from outside Athens strengthens equal opportunity, supports excellence, and contributes substantially to social mobility. The activities around internships, professional development, lectures, and joint research create a productive bridge between university knowledge and real-world practice.”
Tina Davou, CEO of Papastratos, emphasized the company’s commitment: “The collaboration with the Athens University of Economics and Business, which we are formalizing today with the signing of this Memorandum, is of particular importance to us. Not only because we are joining forces with one of the most significant academic institutions in the country, with a strong tradition of connecting knowledge with economics and entrepreneurship, but because we are beginning to put into practice the FutuReady Greece initiative we announced just days ago. We want to stand beside the young people who are today studying, dreaming, and preparing for tomorrow. Through FutuReady Greece, a legacy initiative for both Papastratos’ centenary and for the country, we are creating the conditions for the new generation to effectively face the challenges of our time, while we continue to be useful to Greek society by investing in the people who are building the future.”
This strategic partnership highlights a concerted effort to foster educational and professional development for Greek youth, addressing future workforce needs and contributing to social mobility within the country.
Source: https://www.tovima.com/society/papastratos-and-athens-university-of-economics-sign-mou/
