IBM Brings STEM Education to Odisha Schools

IBM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha's Department of School and Mass Education to introduce 'IBM STEM for girls' in over 100 higher secondary schools across the state. The objective is to attract more girl students towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The project aims to advance the skills and careers of 20,000 girls and 10,000 boys in STEM fields, including Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The programme will impart training in digital literacy, coding, and technology skills to enable girls' empowerment and increase their interest in STEM education and careers.

IBM has also signed similar MoUs with state governments such as Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh to advance the skills and careers of more than two lakh girl students in STEM. Commissioner-cum-Secretary in the School and Mass Education Department, Chitra Arumugam said, 'It is important for the entire ecosystem to come together to address the rising skill gap in the country and invest in the future of our workforce.'

The programme will help bridge the gap between the demand for skilled workers and the available talent pool. With the enrolment of girl students in technical education remaining abysmally low, this initiative is a step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.