Herbalife India, IIT Madras launch 1,000 data science scholarships

The initiative promotes inclusivity by reserving 50% of scholarships for female students, empowering women in tech

Herbalife entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to provide 1,000 scholarships for students pursuing the foundational level of the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications. This initiative aligns with IIT Madras' vision of "IIT Madras for All," which strives to make high-quality education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds across India.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at IIT Madras, was attended by Uday Prakash, VP – Strategy and Implementation, Herbalife India, along with Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations IIT Madras, Kaviraj Nair, CEO, Alumni and Corporate Relations, and other IITM representing members.

The "Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications" not only aims to support underserved students but also ensures that 50 per cent of the scholarships are reserved for female students. This commitment enhances the initiative’s dedication to promoting gender equality and encouraging female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Prakash said, “Education is a cornerstone of economic development and inclusivity in our country. Our collaboration with IIT Madras aims to equip economically disadvantaged students with essential skills and opportunities. This initiative not only empowers them to compete on a global stage alongside their peers but also encourages a more inclusive workforce by actively promoting female participation in technology, which is crucial for driving innovation and growth in the economy.”

Mahalingam said, "With over 11,000 students on campus, we at IIT Madras always strive to provide diverse, quality education to as many as possible, but we know that true reach requires collaboration beyond our walls. Our engagement with corporates through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy enables us to provide scholarships, bolster research, and expand our educational impact in ways that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. We’re incredibly grateful for Herbalife’s support in advancing these initiatives and driving meaningful change."