In the year 2000, which ushered in the new millennium, representatives of 189 countries, who convened at the United Nations headquarters in New York, signed the historic Millennium Declaration setting out new Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the new century. Among the new MDGs: every child in primary school by the year 2015.
Presumably inspired by the MDGs, in Santa Clara (California), USA, Craig Barrett chairman of Intel Corporation, the world’s largest computer microprocessor design, development and marketing company (annual sales revenue: $40 billion or Rs.180,000 crore) launched its own global Intel Education Initiative covering 50 countries around the world. The objective: to upgrade and contemporise school and collegiate education systems, and empower local communities through use of 21st century ICT (information communication technologies) aka computers.
Since then, the Bangalore-based Intel Technologies India Pvt. Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel Corp) has become actively involved with Indian education across the spectrum, rolling out numerous education programmes. Among them:
The Intel Teach Program
Under the intel Teach Program the company has provided contemporary ICT training, which has enabled over 900,000 pre-service, in-service, teacher educators and student teachers across the country to integrate technology into their lessons, and promote problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills in their classrooms. According to company projections, the aggregate number of teachers trained in India will cross 1,000,000 in November.
Under this programme Intel India also provides K-12 teaching tools and resources to teachers free of charge.
Excellence in science and math education
To inspire and stimulate students to study science and maths subjects, Intel has initiated two major programmes:
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). This is the world’s largest annual global pre-college science competition which encourages young scientists in 40 countries to compete for awards and scholarships valued at $4 million (Rs.18 crore).
Initiative for Research & Innovation in Science (IRIS). This programme is designed to promote and nurture science and scientific research amongst young Indian innovators. Outstanding projects and young innovators are given opportunities to showcase their projects and innovations at international events like ISEF and IEYI (International Exhibition for Young Inventors).
Intel higher education program in India
Under this programme Intel India researchers and managers collaborate with Union government’s department of science & technology, ministry of communications & IT, department of technical education and other ecosystem partners like NASSCOM, TEQIP to modernise university curricula, engage in focused research, encourage students to pursue advanced technical studies, and build local innovation capacity through entrepreneurship. Under its higher education program the company has also launched other initiatives including:
Technology Curriculum Development Bridge. The objective of this initiative is to bridge the technology gap by accelerating development of cutting-edge curriculum modules.
Research with universities. The objective of this programme is to develop new technology through research grants and funding of open and collaborative research.
Student aid programs. Opening up new opportunities for students through provision of fellowships, scholarships, internships and opportunities to showcase technology innovations.
Technology Entrepreneurship Promotion. This programme provides opportunities for technology-driven entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and inventions.
Community education for youth
Driven by the belief that learning can take place in environments other than formal classrooms, under this programme Intel India provides opportunities for youth to develop 21st century technology and other skill-sets in engaging learning environments. To this end Intel India collaborates with governments and community organisations to develop technology for improved learning, specifically targeting communities where youth have limited access to technology in their homes and schools. Under this programme the company has promoted two major initiatives:
The Intel Learn Program. This community-based program is designed for underserved youth in the eight-16 age group to learn technology and develop critical thinking and collaboration skills. Thus far 57,000 children in this age group have acquired ICT skills.
The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network. This after-school learning program enables youth in underserved areas to access cutting-edge technology and become motivated learners. Currently the network comprises two fully-wired capital intensive clubhouses in Delhi and Bangalore, with more in the offing.