What happens when passionate tech professionals and driven students team up for almost 3 months? Growth. Confidence. Real-world prep. And a whole lot of learning—on both sides.

From March to May 2025, Arcanys and Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh) joined forces for the first time to launch a mentorship program designed to give students a serious leg-up before stepping into the tech world. The result? A hands-on, human-first experience that bridged the gap between school and the software industry.

“Being a part of the mentorship program of Arcanys was a really big opportunity for me. Recently, I have been having difficulty in developing our capstone project, most especially in implementing Chart.js and SMTP, which is kind of new to me. However, with the help of the mentors Sir Jay and Sir John, I was able to cope! Our sessions with them really had a big impact on our capstone project, a student academic monitoring system dedicated for PNPh. And it was a success! Thank you so much, Arcanys, for this amazing guidance and PNPh for giving us the opportunity!”
— Rosanna, PNPh Student

Who’s behind it?

Arcanys is no stranger to innovation or mentorship. A Swiss-managed team based in Cebu, the company helps global startups and scale-ups build world-class software with the help of its 300+ team of highly skilled Filipino tech talents. Arcanys is all about long-term growth, low attrition, and putting people first—not just inside their team but out in the community, too.

Passerelles Numériques is a French non-profit organization that began its journey in 2005 in Cambodia with one bold mission: to break the cycle of poverty through digital education. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach to Vietnam and the Philippines, empowering youth across Southeast Asia with the right tools to build a future in tech.

Since 2009 in Cebu, PNPh has run a 2.5-year IT training program in partnership with the University of San Jose–Recoletos. The program combines technical education, supported housing, and soft-skills training to prepare students for real-world careers. The outcome has been consistent and impactful—96% of graduates secure jobs in the tech industry within three months after completing the program.

As a matter of fact, several PNPh alumni are now part of the Arcanys team—and they’ve become some of the company’s most trusted and productive members. It’s a clear example of how long-term support like this leads to real, lasting impact.

"The mentorship program was fun and rewarding. One particular struggle I had was to find the delicate balance of boring dense information and lighthearted engagement to keep the mentees interested. I joined the program, to give back to society and teach the younger generation everything I know. They are going to be paying my pension, after all."
— James, Admin at Arcanys

What the Program looked like

Over 11 weeks, from March to May 2025, 70 students from the PNPh Class of 2025 teamed up with 8 dedicated mentors from Arcanys. These mentors carved out more than 25 hours to connect with students through a mix of remote and in-person lectures, workshops, and one-on-one sessions. The topics ranged from technical problem-solving to practical career prep. But it wasn’t just about writing clean code—it was also about building confidence, sharpening communication skills, and getting honest feedback from people who actually work in tech. The goal? Get students ready—not just to graduate, but to thrive in their first real-world tech roles.

“Collaborating with PN and students was a great experience for me. I am inspired by their enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to learn. Guiding them through their capstone projects was rewarding. It was a great reminder of the impact mentorship can have. And I hope I made a lasting difference in their capstone journey.”
— Dine, Project Manager at Arcanys

Beyond the Code   

The mentorship program wasn’t just about syntax and algorithms. It was about showing students how to navigate real-world career and tech challenges, collaborate in team settings, and communicate ideas clearly—skills that often determine who thrives in a workplace.

“Arcanys has brought a huge contribution to the learning of the students, not just in the academic area, but holistically speaking. The mentorship they offered was a significant part of our growth, particularly in the technical and financial aspects. They discussed relevant topics that were essential to us. On behalf of my batch, Class 2025, we extend our sincere gratitude to you for lending us your time and expertise, especially in the making of our Capstone Projects. You helped us a lot, and we gained so much indeed. We look forward to hearing more collaborations and mentorships ahead for the upcoming batch of PN Scholars.”
— Rhea, PNPh Student

And the growth wasn’t one-sided. Arcanys mentors walked away inspired too, recharged by the energy and perspective the students brought to each session.

"I decided to participate in the mentorship program to show support for the company’s outreach initiative. At the same time, I was genuinely curious about what it would feel like to share my knowledge with others. Part of me also wanted to test a belief I’ve long held—that I have what it takes to guide and make a difference.
What I discovered through the experience was more than I expected. Mentoring gave me a sense of purpose and confidence. Seeing students respond, ask questions, and grow even within a short session affirmed that I do have something valuable to offer. It was a meaningful reminder that growth doesn’t only happen through learning, but also through teaching." 
— Ronil, QA at Arcanys

The Human Factor

Confidence was a common thread across every session. For many students, this was their first time getting feedback from someone outside their school—someone in the industry, someone they can look up to.

“The session organized by Arcanys was incredibly helpful. We were struggling to figure out the right direction for our capstone, but their guidance gave us clarity and structure. And also they not only taught us technically, but also financially. Their mentors gave practical advice, especially in handling finances and how it works in the job. Because of their support and mentoring, we finally feel confident moving forward toward financial independence.”
— Ricky, PNPh Student

By the end of the program, the students weren’t just more skilled—they were more sure of themselves.

What’s next?

If the last 11 weeks proved anything, it’s this: mentorship works. It builds bridges. It builds people. And it’s something both Arcanys and PNPh want more of.

“The mentorship program has been an invaluable experience. Through this mentorship, I gained new ideas, skills, and knowledge across different fields. The mentors were supportive and generous in sharing their expertise and guidance. The journey has truly helped me to improve personally, both soft skills and technical skills.”
— Jincent, PNPh Student

And to wrap up the program on a high note, students and mentors came together for a casual closing activity—a warm, heartfelt get-together to celebrate the journey. Certificates were awarded to both mentors and participants, recognizing the time, effort, and growth shared throughout the program. Laughter and stories flowed over a spread of local delicacies and refreshing drinks, turning the final day into something more than a ceremony—it became a moment of connection and appreciation.

"Call me naive or sentimental, but one of the reasons that I volunteered was to share my knowledge with the future generation. I'm thankful that PNPh has provided that opportunity. It's a good mind exercise when I have to trim down my knowledge so that students can understand, and it was also knowledge sharing since interacting with the students and their projects will give you insights on new technologies. In the end, there was a feeling of fulfillment, and that's what makes me want to volunteer again if opportunity arises."
— John, Software Developer at Arcanys

With the success of this first run, there’s already buzz about future batches, expanded mentor pools, and more structured technical challenges. One thing’s clear: this was just the beginning.

Want to join a team that builds great software and gives back? See our open roles here.