According to UNICEF, India has the largest adolescent population in the world at 253 million. The country stands to benefit immensely if these children are given a proper education from a young age. Unfortunately, many educational institutes in the country find it difficult to keep pace with technological innovations, affecting their ability to impart quality digital, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, and inclusive education. Enhancing the quality of schools, especially Government-run institutions which cater to underserved communities, is critical for creating students who have the vision to create a better tomorrow.
Cognizant Foundation’s Commitment to STEM and Inclusive Education
Cognizant Foundation is actively working to transform education in India by promoting STEM and digital learning, while ensuring inclusive education for children with special needs. These efforts aim to bridge learning gaps, foster innovation, and create equitable learning environments for all students.
Promoting STEM and Digital Learning
Despite high enrolment rates, foundational learning remains a major challenge in rural India. According to the ASER 2024 report, many students aged 14–18 struggle with basic math and reading skills, and school attendance drops significantly with age. Additionally, a gender gap persists in science education, with fewer girls opting for STEM subjects. Globally, only 35% of STEM graduates are women.
To address these challenges, Cognizant Foundation integrates digital tools and STEM-focused pedagogy in government schools. Learning platforms like MindSpark, Khan Academy, and coding games are used to make science and math engaging and accessible. Mobile science labs bring hands-on learning to remote areas, while teacher training programs equip educators with inclusive digital teaching methods. The Foundation also supports the development of Open Educational Resources and uses data-driven insights to personalize learning experiences, helping students build computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
Promoting Inclusive Education
Children with special needs—such as those with dyslexia, autism, ADHD, or visual impairments—face significant barriers in accessing quality education. These include lack of inclusive infrastructure, limited teacher training, social stigma, and inadequate support services. Dyslexia alone affects 10–15% of school-aged children, often leading to low self-esteem and misjudgment of abilities.
Cognizant Foundation promotes inclusive education through a multi-pronged approach. It supports adaptive learning platforms and assistive technologies like screen readers, speech-to-text tools, and AAC devices to help children overcome learning barriers. Teacher training programs focus on inclusive pedagogy, enabling educators to better support diverse learners. The Foundation also invests in accessible infrastructure and collaborates with schools and communities to foster inclusive environments.
By combining technology, training, and community engagement, Cognizant Foundation is creating a more equitable education system where every child—regardless of background or ability—can thrive and reach their full potential.
Our representative partner list includes - Agastya International Foundation, Educational Initiatives, Enable India, Help the Blind Foundation, IT for Change, India Literacy Project, Khan Academy India, Madras Dyslexia Association, Vision Empowerment Trust.
