Avantor Foundation launches STEM Programming for Indian students

Avantor, in a new programme for students in India, through an Avantor Foundation grant, the American India Foundation (AIF), is establishing the STEM Intervention through the Digital Equalizer Programme in India. This programme will enable an environment of learning that emphasises conceptual understanding. As part of this programme, Avantor employees will be volunteering at the area schools to mentor and inspire students to pursue STEM careers, Avantor notified in a statement.

The programme is devised to develop skills like observation, use of scientific tools, design research questions, plan for the research study, data collection, data analysis and presentation, especially in Biology and Chemistry. It will also focus on developing scientific temperament and critical thinking by creating an enabling environment for children in schools, the statement added.

In addition, it is aimed at improving the academic performance of students in Grade 8th to 12th in core subjects – Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences. It will also entail capacity building of teachers for improved teaching and learning by providing them training on techno-pedagogy, STEM methodology and project-based learning, noted the statement.

“We believe that science has the power to change lives for the better. Our support of the education system in India will empower students with a greater understanding of the scientific approach and the ability to face challenges in the real world. Through the Foundation support and associate volunteerism, we are driving science for goodness in the community,” said Christophe Couturier, Executive Vice President, Asia, Middle East and Africa, Avantor, in the statement.

The programme launch took place at Dhanaji Nanaji Choudhary Multipurpose High School and Junior College, Dombivali, Thane, Maharashtra, where Amit Sehgal, Managing Director, Avantor India, inaugurated the first STEM lab set up in the school and officiated the programme roll-out, according to the statement.

Mathew Joseph, Country Director – American India Foundation (AIF), said in the statement, “AIF is driven by the mission to improve lives of people in India with a special focus on women, children and youth. Our partnership with Avantor Foundation aims to create an enabling environment for children through rigorous STEM interventions across 15 government schools of Maharashtra. Designed to develop scientific temperament and critical thinking through AIF’s Digital Equalizer Programme delivery model, the intervention will create boundless opportunities for students through deep and high-impact engagement in the field of STEM education.”