GUWAHATI: In line with the National Education Policy 2020, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) is actively collaborating with the Assam Government’s Arohan scheme to encourage meritorious students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects in higher education. The initiative aims to provide exposure and opportunities to government school students in classes 9th to 12th.
Under the Arohan scheme, conceptualised as a Mentor-Mentee programme for secondary class students in government schools, IIT Guwahati has successfully hosted 3311 students, including 2009 girls and 1302 boys. The programme includes mentoring, exposure trips, competitions, and interactions tailored for the career progression of students.
Notably, 65 per cent of the total participants were girl students, emphasising the significance of promoting gender inclusivity in STEM education. The programme serves as a platform for students and guide teachers/officers to explore educational and research institutions, laboratories, and engage with faculty members.
During the 12 batches hosted from October to December 2023, the students had the opportunity to interact with 33 faculty members at IIT Guwahati. Discussions covered various topics, including JEE preparation strategies, research in basic sciences, academic programmes at IITs, and the Common Entrance Examination for Design.
The programme aims to contribute to society by investing in the future and inspiring students to pursue quality STEM education. The initiative seeks to elevate Assam's silk, weaving, and natural colour markets to national and international levels.
The participating students, hailing from 29 districts of Assam, have explored educational and cultural sites, including IIT Guwahati facilities, Biotechnology Park, Planetarium, State Zoo, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Regional Science Centre, and Assam Administrative Staff College.