The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : United Way Delhi, with CSR support from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), hosted a National Consultation on STEM Education at the India International Centre, bringing together leaders from corporates, academia, civil society, and implementing organizations to discuss the future of STEM learning and careers in India. It is aimed to build a shared roadmap for strengthening STEM and AI education in India by fostering dialogue, partnerships, and actionable recommendations across stakeholders.
The event took place at a critical juncture for India’s education ecosystem. While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and flagship initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs and PM SHRI Schools have accelerated experiential and innovation-led learning, disparities in access to quality STEM education persist. Many government schools, particularly in rural and aspirational districts, continue to face infrastructure gaps, limited access to functional laboratories, and inadequate teacher training. Gender imbalance in higher STEM education and industry representation also remains a concern.
The consultation aimed to develop a shared roadmap to strengthen equitable access to STEM and AI education by fostering sustained dialogue and cross-sector partnerships. Discussions focused on scaling experiential STEM models in government schools, integrating sustainability and employability into curricula, promoting digital literacy, and enhancing participation of girls and marginalized communities. Stakeholders also reflected aligning national priorities under NEP 2020 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy with ground-level implementation realities.
Dr. Sujeet Ranjan, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Delhi, said, “This consultation reflected our shared commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or geography, has access to quality STEM education that prepares them for a rapidly evolving future. Through collective action, partnerships, and shared learning, we aimed to create scalable and sustainable solutions that strengthen India’s education ecosystem.”
Jaya Jagadish, SVP and Country Head, India, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), added, “At AMD, we believe technology-enabled education is essential to building a future-ready workforce. Strengthening STEM education is critical to creating a diverse talent pipeline where both men and women can contribute equally to the nation’s growth. Through our collaboration with United Way of Delhi, we are proud to support initiatives that expand access to learning, foster innovation, and create meaningful opportunities for students from underserved communities.”
Dr. Rita Sharma, Director, SCERT mentioned, Advancing equitable and future-ready STEM education in India requires a holistic approach that expands access while ensuring meaningful participation for students across rural, marginalized, and under-resourced communities. This calls for strengthening teacher capacity, integrating critical thinking, digital fluency, and interdisciplinary learning, and fostering collaboration among policymakers, educators, industry, and communities so that STEM education becomes inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of a rapidly evolving world.
The consultation concluded with a call for integrated partnerships among government bodies, CSR foundations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. Participants emphasized that strengthening STEM education was not merely about employability, but about nurturing critical thinking, responsible innovation, and inclusive national progress. By placing equity at the centre of reform and aligning policy with practice, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in India’s STEM journey.
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