The district administration of Thiruvananthapuram has made significant strides in promoting inclusive education through its Super-100 programme, aimed at empowering talented girl students from tribal and coastal communities. The initiative, launched in the 2023-24 academic year, focuses on fostering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and has already transformed the academic journey of several participants.
Overcoming Barriers Through STEM
Launched under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, the Super-100 project provides a unique opportunity for economically disadvantaged girls to pursue higher education and career aspirations in STEM fields. The programme has already helped 44 students secure admissions into courses such as engineering, medicine, nursing, and pure science.
Currently, 83 students are undergoing intensive training, and new students will be enrolled for the 2025-26 academic year through an entrance examination. The programme targets students from classes IX to XII, allowing younger batches to receive four years of consistent training.
A Structured Training Approach
Each batch comprises 25 students, and the training is implemented in four phases:
- Academic Support: Regular academic mentoring to identify and improve weak areas.
- Psychological Support: Counselling services to boost confidence and mental well-being.
- Life Skills and Exposure: Life-skills training and exposure visits for all-round development.
- Personalised Mentorship: Buddy mentoring, home visits, and individual counselling for deeper impact.
District Collector Anu Kumari emphasized the programme’s broader objective, stating that the initiative goes beyond academics and aims to uplift the educational standards of marginalized girls and prepare them for self-reliant futures in STEM careers.
Strategic Collaborations
The programme is implemented by Kanal Innovations with academic training partnerships involving reputed institutions like Xylem Entrance Coaching Education Academy, Zephyr Entrance Coaching Institution, and Brilliant Study Centre. These partnerships enable students to receive coaching for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and KEAM.
Anson PD Alexander, Director of Kanal Innovations, noted that the initiative combines educational rigour with emotional and social support, thus helping students overcome both academic and personal challenges.
Community Response and Impact
Parents have expressed immense gratitude for the project. Deepa S, mother of Midhula DM, a tribal student from Aryanad, shared, “My daughter joined the programme in Class X and has excelled since. She is now preparing for NEET with the dream of becoming a doctor.”
More than 500 students have written the entrance test for the Super-100 programme in the last two academic years. The initiative continues to draw interest and admiration across the district as a symbol of educational transformation.
Financial and Institutional Support
The Super-100 programme receives funding from the Women and Child Development Department, with CSR backing from organizations such as:
- Cochin Shipyard Ltd
- HLL Lifecare Ltd
- Trenser Technology Solutions
This collaborative model between the government, NGOs, coaching institutes, and corporate sponsors ensures the sustainability and impact of the programme.
