50,000 Indian students participate in career development program

A teacher training college in Andra Pradesh, where the School Engagement Program has been tested among Indian educators.

More than 50,000 Indian students from secondary schools in Andhra Pradesh are undertaking the University of Melbourne’s Schools Engagement Program.

The Schools Engagement Program supports underrepresented secondary school students in India through career guidance and future planning, helping them to understand labour markets and develop their social mobility, by empowering them to thrive in their studies and life. Initially launched in seven schools in Pune and Madurai, the program expanded to over 100 Government schools in five districts in Andhra Pradesh in 2023.

University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley said the program reflected the University’s commitment to long-term engagement within India, supporting the country on its ambitious education journey.

“India is home to the largest tertiary population in the world. Empowering the tens of thousands of young students through this program is just one of the ways we endeavour to enrich academic capabilities in India, and we would like to reach as many students as possible,” Professor Wesley said.

Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate Alluri Sitharama Raju District from the Government of Andhra Pradesh emphasised the importance of engaging with young students, who are the future leaders of society.

“Timely intervention is crucial; if we don’t act now and expand our efforts, we risk losing a ‘demographic dividend’ that will be essential to leverage the productive population and future- ready world. Missing this opportunity could have significant repercussions, not only within India but on a global scale, as the country increasingly stands to export skills and talent,” Mr Kumar stated.

The expansion throughout Andhra Pradesh was made possible by support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh - Department of School Education, Rotary International Districts in Zone 7, Rotary India Literacy Mission, and Samaghra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh, implemented by Global Education Solutions.

Across all pilot programs in Pune, Madurai, Vijayawada, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Schools Engagement Program has also supported over 1700 teachers and over 100,000 parents, carers and guardians through capacity building activities.

Teachers from participating schools have noted the change they see in students and the impact it is having.

“This program has enabled our children to select their career choices independently as well as become more self-reliant and responsible,” said one teacher.

Students are also commenting on how the program is improving their outlook on their studies and career choices.

“I had really no clear vision on what my future was going to look like or what my career was about,” said one student. “But after… going through this program I was able to find what I truly desire, my passions, and how to make money off those passions.”

The University of Melbourne continues to explore opportunities to expand the Schools Engagement Program further within Andhra Pradesh and across India, hoping to reach as many students as possible with this important early learning and careers guidance program.