Infosys Foundation Launches 'STEM Stars'  Scholarship Program for Girl Students

Infosys Foundation Unveils 'STEM Stars' Scholarship Program Empowering Underprivileged Girls in STEM Education

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys, has taken a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and diversity in STEM education.

The foundation has officially launched the 'STEM Stars' scholarship program, designed to provide financial assistance and support for underprivileged girl students aspiring to pursue higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Empowering Girls in STEM Education

The core objective of the 'STEM Stars' scholarship program is to empower and encourage underprivileged girls to pursue their dreams in STEM education. Recognizing the systemic barriers such as lack of access, mentorship, and financial constraints that often hinder students from choosing STEM courses, Infosys Foundation has stepped in to create a transformative change.

Scholarship Details

The program is set to pave the way for these aspiring young minds by providing substantial financial support throughout their undergraduate STEM journey. In its inaugural phase, 'STEM Stars' will extend its assistance to over 2,000 girl students across India.

These students, hailing from diverse backgrounds, will receive financial aid to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and study materials for a duration of four years.

Addressing Educational Disparities

Sumit Virmani, Trustee of Infosys Foundation, articulated the foundation's commitment to addressing educational disparities, particularly among girls. He noted, "Poverty denies many youngsters, in India, the right to education, and girls are often the most impacted."

Highlighting the ripple effect of empowering girls through education, he emphasized that educated women play a pivotal role in shaping not only their own lives but also the future prospects of their children.

Holistic Approach to Empowerment

The 'STEM Stars' scholarship program goes beyond mere financial aid. It strives to create a holistic educational ecosystem for these young scholars, aiming to remove various barriers that have hindered their pursuit of STEM education.

By fostering mentorship, financial support, and a conducive learning environment, the program seeks to unleash the full potential of underprivileged girls in STEM fields.

Elevating Gender Diversity in STEM

The program's emphasis on supporting underprivileged girls in STEM education is also rooted in the broader goal of promoting gender diversity in these fields. By addressing gender-based educational disparities and providing the necessary resources, 'STEM Stars' is poised to contribute to bridging the gender gap in STEM professions.

Partnering with Prestigious Institutes

The scholarship program's impact is set to extend across prestigious institutes. It will encompass institutions recognized under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which includes distinguished institutions like IITs, BITS-Pilani, NITs, and renowned medical colleges.

Benefits of STEM Stars scholarship :

The STEM Stars scholarship program will provide a number of benefits to eligible students, including:

• Financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and study materials
• Access to mentorship and networking opportunities
• Exposure to cutting-edge STEM research and development
• The opportunity to make a difference in the world through STEM education

How to Apply for the Scholarship:

Students interested in applying for the STEM Stars scholarship program can do so online at the Infosys Foundation website https://www.infosys.com/infosys-foundation.html. The application deadline is September 30, 2023.

The STEM Stars scholarship program is a significant initiative by Infosys Foundation to support the education of underprivileged girl students in STEM fields. The program will help to create a more equitable and inclusive STEM workforce in India.

About Infosys Foundation

nfosys Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Infosys, a multinational information technology company headquartered in Bangalore, India. The foundation was established in 1996 with the mission to "enable the underprivileged to live with dignity and self-reliance".

The foundation works in the areas of education, healthcare, rural development, and social entrepreneurship. It has implemented a number of innovative programs, including:

• The Vidya Lakshmi program, which provides scholarships to underprivileged girls to pursue higher education.
• The e-Seva program, which provides IT-enabled services to rural communities.
• The Janashree program, which provides healthcare services to the poor.
• The NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) Infosys Retail Academy, which provides training to youth in retail skills.

The foundation has also set up a number of institutions, including the Infosys Foundation Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which promotes social entrepreneurship in India.

Infosys Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged. It has touched the lives of millions of people in India and around the world.

Conclusion

Infosys Foundation's 'STEM Stars' scholarship program stands as a beacon of hope for underprivileged girl students aspiring to break barriers and excel in STEM education. By providing financial support, mentorship, and a nurturing educational environment, the initiative not only transforms individual lives but also propels India towards a future enriched by diverse perspectives and innovative advancements.