Infosys Foundation launches ‘STEM Stars’ scholarship for underprivileged girls

Infosys Foundation, the corporate social responsibility wing of global tech giant Infosys, unveiled a significant INR 100 crores initiative called ‘STEM Stars’, targeting the empowerment of underprivileged girl students in India. This scholarship program is aimed at promoting and supporting education in the burgeoning fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). During the program’s inaugural phase, the foundation will provide financial backing to more than 2,000 aspiring girls nationwide who are seeking higher education in prestigious STEM institutions.

A deep dive into India’s education scenario reveals barriers like limited access, scarce mentorship, and financial limitations that deter students from pursuing STEM degrees. To alleviate this, the ‘STEM Stars’ scholarship is structured to cover an array of expenses: from tuition fees and living costs to educational materials. Beneficiaries will receive up to INR 1 lakh annually throughout their STEM degree course.

Infosys Foundation launches Rs 100cr STEM. Photo courtesy of Infosys Limited.

This year, the scholarship extends its reach to institutes accredited by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), a list that boasts of academic stalwarts like IITs, BITS-Pilani, NITs, and illustrious medical colleges.

Expressing his views on the initiative, Sumit Virmani, Trustee, Infosys Foundation, remarked, “In a nation like ours, the shadows of poverty often eclipse the educational dreams of many, especially girls. Through the ‘STEM Stars’ initiative, we’re trying to shed light on their dreams. We’re not just uplifting individuals; we’re curating a cycle where educated women can guide the next generation, thus breaking the chains of generational disparity. Our goal is to foster a comprehensive educational environment for these girls, a step we deem crucial for India’s progress.”

With ‘STEM Stars’, Infosys Foundation continues its commitment to sculpting a brighter future for India, emphasizing that every girl deserves an education and the opportunity to excel.