IIT-M's School Connect Programme: Empowering Telangana's Future Tech Leaders

IIT-M's School Connect Programme: A Gateway to Tech Careers for Telangana's Youth

In a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras has launched the School Connect Programme, a pilot project aimed at transforming the career aspirations of students in government schools across Telangana. The programme, which has been rolled out at the Maskapur Zilla Parishad High School in Khanapur mandal, Nirmal district, is providing Class 10 students with a unique opportunity to explore high-tech fields and gain valuable certifications from one of the country’s premier institutes.

Early Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technologies

The School Connect Programme offers a flexible, three-month online course that covers a range of high-tech fields, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Electronics, and Robotics. Students are given the freedom to choose courses based on their interests, ensuring that they are motivated and engaged throughout the learning process. The programme is designed to be accessible, with recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments, and computer-based tests, all delivered online.

Key features of the programme include:

• Flexibility**: Students can balance their regular schoolwork with the online courses, taking assessments every two weeks and a final exam at the end of the three months.
• Diverse Course Options**: Courses in AI, Data Science, Electronics, and Robotics provide students with a broad understanding of different tech fields.
• Certification**: Upon completion, students receive a certificate from IIT-Madras, which is a significant addition to their academic credentials.

Transforming Career Paths

For students like D Yeshwanth and N Charan, the programme has been a game-changer. Yeshwanth, who chose the AI course, says, “These classes are giving me clarity on which course to take in Intermediate. I enjoy the sessions after school hours.” Charan, who opted for Electronics and Robotics, adds, “It is very interesting, and I’ve already completed three levels of exams.”

The programme’s impact extends beyond individual students. School Assistant in Mathematics, Syed Faraz Abdul Karim, highlights the broader benefits: “We selected 35 students and are training them carefully. It’s a nationwide programme, and every three months a new batch will be taken up. The initiative is equipping students with early exposure to technology, which is crucial for their future careers.”

Enhancing School Performance and Community Standing

The Maskapur Zilla Parishad High School has a total of 800 students, including 156 in Class 10. The selection of 35 students for the first batch of the School Connect Programme has not only provided them with valuable learning opportunities but has also boosted the school’s overall performance. Headmaster Bonagiri Narender Rao notes, “We are competing strongly with private schools. Last year, all 129 students in Class 10 cleared the exams with a 100% pass rate.”

The school has also made significant investments in technology, setting up a computer lab with 10 systems and 10 virtual reality headsets. These resources are helping even primary students learn through visual content, further enhancing the school’s educational offerings.

The Role of Government Support

The success of the School Connect Programme is a testament to the importance of government support in education. The initiative has been made possible through a combination of state funding and the expertise of IIT-Madras. The government’s commitment to providing advanced technology and training to government schools is a crucial step towards ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to excel in the tech-driven job market.

The Bottom Line

IIT-Madras' School Connect Programme is more than just an educational initiative; it is a transformative force in the lives of Telangana’s youth. By providing early exposure to high-tech fields and equipping students with valuable certifications, the programme is empowering the next generation of tech leaders. As the programme expands to more schools, it has the potential to significantly impact the region’s educational landscape and economic future.