The BMW India Foundation has partnered with Smile Foundation to expand STEM education in Delhi NCR schools. This initiative will benefit over 2,500 students annually, helping them develop essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Expanding STEM Education in Schools
The project will introduce STEM learning in 25 schools across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram. These include:
- 5 government-aided schools
- 20 community schools in low-income areas
According to Vikram Pawah, President and CEO of BMW Group India, the initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and make STEM education more inclusive. He emphasized that hands-on learning will nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
Innovative Learning with STEM Labs and Mobile Units
The initiative has two key components:
- State-of-the-Art STEM Labs – These labs, installed in government-aided schools, include modern scientific tools, robotic models, and digital learning kits.
- ‘STEM on Wheels’ Mobile Labs – These units will bring STEM education to community schools, ensuring access for students in underserved areas. The mobile labs also feature 1,500-watt solar panels, making them sustainable and efficient.
Through interactive workshops, science fairs, and innovation challenges, students will gain hands-on experience. Additionally, teachers will receive specialized training to improve their teaching methods.
Supporting India’s National Education Policy
This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP), which prioritizes STEM education. Although STEM jobs are vital for economic growth, a skills gap remains, especially among students from low-income groups and female learners.
Currently, only 30% of engineering and technology graduates in India are women. By increasing STEM access for underprivileged students, this project will help reduce gender disparities and encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers.
Global and National Commitment to STEM Learning
The BMW Group has also partnered with UNICEF under the “BRIDGE: Educating Young People for Tomorrow, Today” initiative. In 2024, BMW launched a STEM education program in India, aiming to reach 100,000 children across Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The program primarily supports adolescent girls from rural schools like Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Tribal Ashramshalas.
Commitment from BMW India Foundation and Smile Foundation
The BMW India Foundation focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to expand education and social impact initiatives. Meanwhile, the Smile Foundation, established in 2002, supports education, healthcare, and skill development in 2,000 villages and slums across 25 states.
By launching this STEM learning project, both organizations aim to transform education and prepare students for a technology-driven future.
