Shaping Futures for 100 Underprivileged Students Through Higher Education

Funded by State Street and implemented by Native Medicare Charitable Trust (NMCT).

This one-year project supports 100 economically weaker students aged 17–22 across Tamil Nadu to join, continue and complete higher education. It combines financial support, study materials, mentoring, skill training and career guidance, so that students do not drop out for lack of money or direction, and are better prepared for internships and jobs.

Ongoing: newly launched. The project kicked off in October 2026 and is in its start-up (Foundations) phase, with student selection and vetting under way. Project period: October 2026 to September 2027.

The need. Many students in Tamil Nadu complete Class 12 with good marks, yet nearly half do not enter college, mainly because of financial constraints. For low-income and rural families, costs go beyond tuition to books, hostel, transport and internet. Many are first-generation learners with no access to mentors, career counselling or professional networks.

Our approach. Financial support alone is not enough, so the project pairs it with guidance and career support.

Overall objective: To support 100 underprivileged students to access, continue and successfully complete higher education, and to improve their opportunities for sustainable employment.

Key components

• Higher education support so students can study without interruption.

• Books and study materials provided on time.

• Career guidance training and regular mentoring (one-to-one sessions, group meetings and an annual get-together).

• Skill development in communication, basic digital knowledge including AI, and other job-related skills.

• Internship and job-readiness support, with links to career opportunities.

Monitoring. An MIS tracks every student’s academic progress, semester marksheets are reviewed to identify students needing extra support, and regular contact is kept with college faculty on attendance and progress.

Sustainability. Funding is requested year by year. After completion, NMCT will form an Alumni Association of graduates who give back by supporting the next generation of needy students.

Verified Impact Figures

The project has only just begun, so there are no verified impact figures yet. Results will be published after the first academic reviews.

Targets for the project period (not yet achieved)

• 100 students enrolled in higher education programmes.

• At least 90% continue without dropping out.

• At least 85% pass each semester.

• At least 90% complete skill development training.

• At least 75% secure internships or jobs.

Project Locations

Coimbatore Zone and Chennai Zone, Tamil Nadu, India. Participants are students from economically weaker sections from across Tamil Nadu.

Implementing organisation: Native Medicare Charitable Trust, Kalappanayaickenpalayam, Somayampalayam (Post), Coimbatore – 641 108.

Reporting: quarterly progress reports; narrative and financial reports within 30 days of the programme end.