Tech training program initiated at zero cost by Freshworks and Edunet Foundation
Freshworks Launches ACT Programme to Empower Underserved Youth in Tech
The Academy for Careers in Tech (ACT) programme, a zero-cost tech skilling initiative, has been launched by IT firm Freshworks in partnership with Edunet Foundation and CMR Engineering College. The programme, located in Hyderabad, India, is designed to empower underserved youth from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with industry-relevant technology skills.
The ACT programme, spanning 18 months, offers 1,000 hours of immersive training focused on full-stack development, professional readiness, and project-based experiential learning. It is hosted at CMR Engineering College, which provides a 60-seat smart classroom, computer lab, and counselling cabins to support both technical training and career guidance.
The programme targets underserved communities and rural or migrant youth, providing them with the opportunity to build industry-relevant technical and life skills. The selection process involves entrance exams, student-parent counseling, and a three-week bootcamp to assess motivation and discipline before entering the programme's main phase.
The first batch of the ACT programme will include 30 students, with a goal of fostering job readiness and future readiness through industry-aligned skillsets and mentorship. Financial support will be provided to deserving candidates, ensuring economic barriers do not hinder participation.
Sreedhar Gade, Vice President of Engineering and Responsible AI at Freshworks, stated that the ACT Programme reflects Freshworks' long-standing commitment to democratising tech education. The programme aims to develop a replicable model combining Freshworks’ industry insights with Edunet Foundation’s grassroots skilling expertise to promote social mobility and inclusive career opportunities in tech.
The ACT Programme received applications from 1,000 students, and the host institution, CMR Engineering College, is providing the necessary infrastructure to support the programme's success. The programme's location in Hyderabad, a major technology hub, creates a talent pipeline aligned with the city's growth, driving long-term impact on career trajectories for marginalized youth in the region.
In conclusion, the ACT Programme by Freshworks, Edunet Foundation, and CMR Engineering College aims to equip underserved 12th-pass students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with comprehensive tech skills and professional readiness, enabling them to transition into sustainable technology careers despite socioeconomic challenges.
- The ACT Programme, a tech skilling initiative by Freshworks, is partnering with finance institutions to offer subscription-based learning resources for education-and-self-development in technology.
- As the tech industry continues to expand, markets are closely analyzing the impact of the ACT Programme on talent development and the subsequent growth of businesses in technology-focused markets.
- In an effort to broaden its outreach, the ACT Programme is planning to live stream select sessions to provide access to a wider audience, further democratizing tech education.
- The ACT Programme's success in Hyderabad has caught the attention of other cities in India, with finance and tech leaders expressing interest in replicating the model to address the skill-gap in their respective regions.
- Recognizing the importance of technology and finance in shaping the future, the ACT Programme is exploring collaborations with prominent financial institutions to provide scholarships and loans to deserving students, ensuring accessibility to tech education for all.
