IIT Delhi Launches Second Batch of STEM Mentorship Programme to Empower High School Girls

New Delhi, February 10, 2023 – In a bid to empower young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi inaugurated the second batch of its STEM Mentorship Programme for high school girls. The launch coincided with the 8th International Day for Women and Girls in Science, reflecting the institute's commitment to gender equity in STEM disciplines.

Programme Overview The STEM Mentorship Programme, organized by the Initiative for Gender Equity and Sensitisation (IGES) and the Office of Academic Outreach and New Initiatives (ONI) at IIT Delhi, aims to ignite a passion for STEM among young female students. The programme is structured into two phases, offering a blend of theoretical learning and practical exposure.

Phase One: Theoretical Learning In the first phase, 32 selected participants from Kendriya Vidyalayas, government, and private schools in Delhi will engage in online lectures and demonstrations. These sessions, conducted by IIT Delhi faculty and students, will take place over weekends in March and April. Topics will span a wide array of STEM subjects, designed to provide foundational knowledge and stimulate curiosity among the students.

Phase Two: Practical Exposure The second phase, scheduled for May, will be more hands-on. Participants will spend a week at IIT Delhi, exploring various laboratories and witnessing cutting-edge research first-hand. This immersive experience aims to deepen their understanding of scientific principles and inspire them to consider careers in STEM fields.

Inauguration Highlights The inaugural event featured addresses by prominent figures such as Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, who emphasized the importance of fostering a love for research among young women. Prof. Maya Ramanath from the Computer Science and Engineering Department and Dr. Sarita Ahlawat, Co-Founder and Managing Director at BotLab Dynamics, also shared insights and motivated the participants.

Historical Context and Future Aspirations The first mentorship programme, launched in December 2021, saw the successful participation of 10 schoolgirls who completed their mentorship in June 2022. This initiative is part of IIT Delhi's broader effort to enhance diversity within its campus and encourage more women to pursue STEM education and careers.

Participants in the earlier batch were mentored on a diverse range of topics, including artificial photosynthesis, water reuse using nanotechnology, theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence, climate change, brain mapping, neuroscience, optics, and engineering applications. This comprehensive mentorship aimed to provide a holistic understanding of both fundamental and advanced STEM concepts.

Impact and Expectations The STEM Mentorship Programme is expected to significantly impact participants by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in STEM fields. By fostering early interest and providing role models in the form of faculty mentors, IIT Delhi hopes to bridge the gender gap in STEM and cultivate a new generation of women scientists, engineers, and innovators.

For more information on the programme and future initiatives by IIT Delhi, interested parties can visit the official IIT Delhi website.

IIT Delhi’s STEM Mentorship Programme represents a critical step towards gender equity in STEM education. Through this initiative, the institute not only aims to inspire young women but also to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. As the programme progresses, it promises to unlock the potential of many bright young minds, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the world of science and technology.