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Vibha-ICS partnership brings STEM learning to students in Decatur

Decatur, GA, January 31, 2025: Vibha, a global nonprofit committed to be the change makers of children’s lives through education, proudly inaugurated a state-of-the-art STEM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classroom at the International Community School (ICS) in Decatur, Georgia. The event marks a significant chapter in the successful collaboration between Vibha and ICS to support local projects that benefit education of children in underserved communities. This milestone event was marked by an inspiring ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Vibha’s CEO Ashwini Kumar, and ICS Principal Ms. Diamond Jefferies. They were joined by Vibha’s Atlanta team, students, teachers, and community members in celebrating this transformative initiative.

The new STEM classroom represents a shared vision between Vibha and ICS to bridge educational gaps and equip underserved children with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Vibha and ICS: A Partnership for Progress

ICS, a public charter school serving grades K-5, is a vibrant learning community with over 500 students from 66 nationalities who speak 33 languages. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and high economic needs—70% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch—ICS remains steadfast in its mission to provide a nurturing and academically rigorous environment.

For the past seven years, Vibha has been a vital partner in ICS’s journey, positively impacting over 2,500 children. The launch of the STEM classroom is the latest initiative to empower students, furthering Vibha’s mission of enabling every child to reach their full potential.

“Education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty,” said Ashwini Kumar, CEO of Vibha. “This STEM classroom is a space where innovation meets opportunity, unlocking doors to a brighter future for these young minds.”

The Importance of STEM Education

The demand for STEM skills is rapidly increasing in today’s global economy, yet many underserved schools lack the resources to provide quality STEM education. ICS recognized this need through data highlighting gaps in science proficiency and content mastery among students.

With Vibha’s support, the new STEM classroom is equipped with:

• 3D printers and drones to encourage innovative design and exploration.

• Robotics kits to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Lab safety equipment to foster a secure and hands-on learning environment.

​This initiative is further strengthened by the invaluable partnership of Georgia Tech Research Institute and the Georgia Tech VIbha student club, who have contributed their expertise to build an impactful and sustainable STEM program.

“This initiative will have a lasting positive impact on ICS students for years to come. It will also provide a platform for Vibha Youth and adult volunteers to give back to the community by engaging in a variety of educational and development activities at ICS,” says Raj Vuchatu, Executive Director of Vibha Atlanta and lead for this initiative.

“This lab is more than just a classroom—it’s a gateway to creativity, discovery, and real-world problem-solving,” remarked Principal Ms. Diamond Jefferies at ICS. “It will inspire our students to think big and dream bigger.”

Long-Term Benefits to the Community

This initiative is a major step in Vibha’s commitment to creating systemic change by addressing educational inequities. By establishing the STEM classroom, Vibha not only strengthens the academic foundation of ICS students but also deepens its impact on local communities.

The lab will serve as a resource for all 500 ICS students, providing a dedicated weekly learning block. It will empower them with the skills and confidence to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields, fostering a generation of innovators and leaders.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: A Celebration of Collaboration

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a moment of pride and celebration, highlighting the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth delivered a keynote speech on the transformative role of education in shaping societies, while Vibha’s Atlanta team and ICS leadership shared their gratitude for the community’s unwavering support.

“This is a moment of hope and progress, a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause,” said Dr. Sheth.

Vibha invites donors, volunteers, and supporters to join its mission to empower children through education.

For more information or to contribute, please visit www.vibha.org.

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