University of Melbourne’s Career Program Empowers Over 50,000 Students in Andhra Pradesh

 The University of Melbourne has achieved a significant milestone, engaging over 50,000 underrepresented secondary school students in Andhra Pradesh through its Schools Engagement Program. Surpassing the initial target set in December 2023, the program has now reached more than 60,000 students in Andhra Pradesh and over 70,000 across 150 schools in India since its inception in 2020.

The initiative, designed to provide career guidance and social mobility support, initially launched in Pune and Madurai and expanded to 100 government schools in Andhra Pradesh in 2023. It empowers students with tools to understand labour markets and plan for their future.

“This program highlights our commitment to India’s education journey,” said Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. “Empowering thousands of students is just one way we contribute to strengthening academic and professional growth in India.”

Local government officials echoed the program’s importance. Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Collector of Alluri Sitharama Raju District, stressed, “Timely intervention is crucial to harnessing India’s demographic dividend. Missing this opportunity could have global repercussions.”

The program, supported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Rotary International, and Samagra Shiksha, has also trained 1,700 teachers and engaged over 100,000 parents and guardians.

Students and educators alike have praised its transformative impact, with one student stating, “This program helped me discover my passion and how to turn it into a career.”

The University of Melbourne plans further expansion, reinforcing its commitment to early learning and career development across India.