The problem highlighted by the recent Annual Status of Education Report 2016, that 57% of children in grade 3 are unable to read grade 1 level text is well recognized.
And in the past few years we have seen impactful interventions targeted towards solving this major problem. However, most of these interventions have not been able to scale and reach large sections of the society for a variety of reasons – a lot of these interventions are initiated in the social development space which often lacks finances and technical expertise to build on initial successes. Unfortunately, innovations that have emerged in the private sector, particularly in the technology sector and in hotbeds of creative business have yet to percolate into the social development space.
With growing convergence of technology and education – fueled by smartphone adoption, cheap data plans, availability and accessibility of media – there is reason to be optimistic. Leaders and entrepreneurs in India are constantly solving problems with a large scale social impact. Innovative solutions are being tested and piloted across the country. Entrepreneurs are working very hard to scale and sustain their efforts. However, major barriers exist in giving ideas some concrete shape. Innovators struggle with finding the right guidance, funds, technical know-how and scaling strategies. And in order to help, support and inspire social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions, USAID, and CKS under the READ Alliance Project plan to start the Education Innovation Mentorship Program.
The Education Innovation Mentorship Program aims to provide seed grants and capacity building support to early stage education entrepreneurs over the course of four months.
Capacity building support would include, continuous mentoring from a team of experts, ecosystem analysis, piloting, prototyping solutions/products, help develop implementation strategies, networking and future funding opportunities.
What kind of solutions are we looking for?
We are looking for low cost products/services (both tech and non-tech) to address the early grade reading needs of low cost primary school going children in India. The product or service can be targeted towards one or more of the following users:
- Students (6-14 years old)
- Primary School Teachers
- Librarians
- Parents
- School Administration
- Low cost/affordable primary school ecosystem
- Publishers/Content Providers
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Who are we looking for?
We are looking for innovators and early stage education entrepreneurs who are committed and passionate about the education sector and are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference.
Program Timeline
Selection
- Step 1 – Apply for the Education Innovation Mentorship Program
- Step 2 – Review of Applications
- Step 3 – Interviews/Pitching Sessions
- Step 4 – Final Decision
Benefits of being part of this Program
The Education Innovation Mentorship Program aims to provide seed grants and capacity building support to early stage education entrepreneurs over the course of four months.
Capacity building support would include, continuous mentoring from a team of experts, co-working space, ecosystem analysis, piloting, prototyping solutions/products, help develop implementation strategies, networking and future funding opportunities.
