Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Delhi) has kicked off its third batch of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) mentorship program specifically designed for high school girls in Classes 9 and 11. This year, the program received over 200 nomination applications from various Delhi government schools, Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools in the Delhi-NCR region, and private schools. Out of these, 100 candidates have been selected for the third batch.
The STEM Mentorship Program will be conducted in three phases. The “summer phase” will run from May 14 to May 24 and will include a 9-day workshop where participants will engage in expert lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and hands-on problem-solving sessions. Additionally, a Maker Space workshop at IIT Delhi will provide students with practical experience in DIY projects.
During the “At the school” phase, scheduled between July and November 2024, participants will attend the Sci-Tech Spins lecture series held monthly on Saturdays. They will also have the opportunity to interact with IIT Delhi students to enhance their learning experience.
The program will conclude with the “winter phase” in January 2025, featuring lectures on leadership in STEM, entrepreneurship, and interactions with successful IIT Delhi alumni. Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, emphasized the importance of inspiring and empowering young minds to explore STEM careers through this mentorship program, aiming to create a supportive environment for budding talents and enhance gender balance in the institute. The initiative is set to guide women students in making informed career choices based on their interests and passions.