Nearly 100 Students Take Part in IIT Delhi’s STEM Mentorship Programme for Girls
On December 10, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi announced the successful completion of its fourth edition of the STEM mentorship programme designed specifically for high school girls. This initiative aims to inspire and equip young women with the necessary skills and mindset to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Programme Overview
The mentorship programme, known as ‘Manasvi: STEM Mentorship Programme for High School Girls’, saw nearly 100 participants from various backgrounds. The programme was structured into multiple phases, running from May to December, culminating in a final ceremony held on December 5, 2025.
Phases of the Programme
- Summer Phase: This phase was primarily academically oriented, featuring lectures conducted by esteemed faculty members and researchers from IIT Delhi.
- Autumn and Winter Phases: These phases focused on hands-on learning experiences, where students engaged in practical activities such as chemistry experiments and physics projects.
- Final Phase: In this concluding phase, participants presented innovative projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing their creativity and understanding of real-world challenges.
Impact on Participants
The programme has made a significant impact on the participants, particularly in addressing the gender imbalance in STEM fields. According to IIT Delhi, approximately 80% of the participants hailed from government schools, highlighting the programme’s outreach to underrepresented communities.
Student Testimonials
One of the participants, Priyanshi, a Class 11 student from Dwarka, expressed her enthusiasm about the programme. She stated, “The ecstatic feeling of making solar lamps and doing things with our hands cannot be described in words.” Such testimonials reflect the transformative experience that the programme offers to young girls, encouraging them to explore the possibilities within STEM.
Future Editions of the Programme
Looking ahead, IIT Delhi plans to open applications for the next edition of the programme in February-March 2026. The upcoming cohort will consist entirely of students from government schools, following the success of the previous edition, which recorded over 80% participation from this demographic.
Selection Process
The selection process for participants involves nominations from schools in Delhi and nearby areas. Each school is allowed to nominate four female students from Classes 9 and 11 who are pursuing science subjects. This approach ensures that the programme attracts motivated and capable students who can benefit from the mentorship provided.
Goals of the Programme
The primary goal of the ‘Manasvi’ programme is to address the skewed gender ratio in STEM fields. By providing girls with exposure to various STEM subjects and hands-on learning opportunities, the initiative aims to foster a new generation of female leaders in these critical areas.
Skills Development
Participants are not only exposed to theoretical knowledge but also engage in practical applications of STEM concepts. This dual approach helps build essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, which are vital for success in any STEM-related career.
Conclusion
The ‘Manasvi: STEM Mentorship Programme for High School Girls’ at IIT Delhi represents a significant step towards empowering young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By fostering an environment that encourages exploration and innovation, the programme is helping to bridge the gender gap in STEM and inspire the next generation of female scientists and engineers.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from IIT Delhi and aims to highlight the importance of mentorship programmes in promoting gender equality in STEM fields.
