ABB CSR programme sponsors engineering degree and skilling of girls

Robotics and tech company ABB India has partnered with Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF) on a holistic merit-cum-need based scholarship programme for meritorious girls from economically challenged backgrounds, to give them an opportunity to realise their dreams in the field of technology. Through this holistic CSR programme, the company will support higher education and skill development for 100 girls, selected by Lila Poonawalla Foundation, every year.

The selected candidates will be provided with the necessary support to pursue an engineering degree and develop core skills and competencies required to be future-ready, without having to worry about financial constraints.

“Education and Skill enhancement has been one of the core areas for our local CSR initiatives. Our association with Lila Poonawalla Foundation for a holistic scholarship and skill building CSR programme is a small step towards enabling outstanding young girls to become the future leaders in technology and bring about a more equitable world,” said Sanjeev Sharma, Country Managing Director, ABB India.

This CSR programme covers initiatives that go beyond academics in order to equip these girls with a well-rounded experience. One such enriching initiative is the ABB Volunteering programme wherein employees volunteer to impart industry knowledge through well structured, pre-planned sessions with these students. Currently, 600 girl students cumulatively from the programme have been provided virtual training by the employees, for over 50 hours. Subject Matter Experts from the company have contributed their time and experience to interact with the students, and introduce them to a range of topical subjects like Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Industry 4.0 etc.

“It is indeed a proud moment for LPF to be able to award scholarships to academically strong girl students, who hail from economically challenged backgrounds. This partnership will enable these girls to pursue their BE or BTech degree in the discipline of their choice and thus realise their dreams,” said Padma Shri Lila Poonawalla, Chairperson, Lila Poonawala Foundation.

Added Sharma, “Considering the overwhelming response we’ve been receiving for our volunteering initiative, we are planning to scale up this initiative and develop a holistic mentorship programme to enable our employees to mentor these girls on an ongoing basis and accelerate their learning curve.”

“An engineering graduate’s academic knowledge has to be complemented with desirable skills and practical knowledge that put them at a vantage point. Aspiring women leaders in technology certainly need to see more role models, and historical stereotypes being challenged. With the diverse industries that the company serves, we have an accomplished pool of Subject Matter Experts. Through our volunteering and mentorship programme, these experts exchange their knowledge and experience with the scholarship recipients, hand-holding them through the journey,” said Raman Kumar Singh, CHRO, ABB India.

100 shortlisted girls get to pursue their BE or B.Tech degree in the discipline of their choice. Besides the volunteering initiative, multiple interventions introduced by LPF to ensure comprehensive training and development for the scholarship recipients.

At present, the scholarship programme is open to engineering colleges in Pune, Wardha, Amravati District and Nagpur city from Maharashtra and from four Hyderabad districts from Telangana. Interested girls with a strong academic background can apply for the scholarship with Lila Poonawalla Foundation in the month of July every year.

Globally, ABB runs another scholarship programme called Jurgen Dormann scholarship to inspire students from disadvantaged backgrounds to become future leaders in technology by breaking down barriers that prevent them from entering engineering fields.

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