American India Foundation Annual New York City Gala Raises $2.5 Million
to Bridge the Digital Divide in India for Girls in STEM
New York, NY, June 2, 2022 — After over two years of virtual events during the pandemic, the American
India Foundation (AIF) returned to hosting its annual New York gala this year to a sold-out crowd of over
600 guests at the American Museum of Natural History, celebrating the organization’s achievements
over the last 20 years and honoring the philanthropic accomplishments of Arvind Krishna, Chairman and
CEO of IBM. Helmed by the energy and efforts of AIF’s NY Tri-State Board—co-chaired by Jay Tambe and
Niharika Cabiallavetta—and emceed by Ali Velshi of MSNBC and Reena Ninan of CNN, the evening
spotlighted the success and impact of AIF’s Digital Equalizer (DE) program across India—especially with
girls in government-run middle and high schools—transforming students’ STEM skills, confidence, and
determination to master technology and stay in school through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
Generously supported by IBM and other partners for many years, the DE program provides and
integrates technology into underperforming, under-resourced public schools, training teachers in
techno-pedagogy and STEM methodology, and transforming classrooms into collaborative and
interactive places for students to learn, while preparing them for success in the 21st century global
economy. The government schools engaged in the DE program show improved learning outcomes in
STEM subjects alongside a marked increase in the utilization of technology for teachers and students.
IBM’s partnership with AIF focuses particularly on STEM education for girls to narrow the digital divide
and increase the number of girls in STEM careers over time.
DE is a cornerstone of AIF’s mid- and long-term COVID-19 relief work. During the prolonged lockdowns
related to the pandemic, AIF saw widespread learning regression, increasing dropout rates, and
widening of the already sizable digital divide, especially for girls. With schools reopened AIF is making up
for lost time, working with students on their grade level competencies, motivating them to stay in
school, and providing them with the tools and skills to succeed.
“AIF could not have done any of this vital, life-changing work without the generosity of all our donors,
who were with us every step of the way. Your loyalty towards AIF during India’s greatest time of need in
the last year was extraordinary, and we are thrilled to be here today, thanking you in person, for your
unwavering support,” said Nishant Pandey, AIF CEO, as he addressed the gathering.
“I couldn’t be prouder of IBM’s partnership with AIF to catalyze social and economic change in India.
Among the most pressing challenges facing our society today is closing the STEM skills gap, which holds
back both technological and socioeconomic progress. We must take big and bold steps to expand access
to digital skills so that more people—regardless of their background—can take advantage of the digital
economy,” said Arvind Krishna, as he addressed the gathering.
“That’s why we engage with governments at the highest levels—and with committed partners like AIF—
to improve access to the education and skills needed for modern, rewarding jobs. In fact, IBM has
committed to providing 30 million people of all ages with critical skills by 2030, as part of our global
education programs like IBM SkillsBuild,” he concluded, to rousing applause.
After undertaking a monumental life-saving relief effort in India during the COVID-19 crisis, AIF is now
focused on rebuilding the lives of those suffering from the more medium-term impact of the COVID-19
crisis across its programmatic verticals—education, health, and livelihoods. In the education vertical DE
plays a crucial role in keeping children, especially girls, in school and supporting teachers in imparting
quality STEM education to prepare them for careers in tomorrow’s world.
Fittingly, the proceedings highlighted two inspiring stories of young girls who were able to stay in school
thanks to AIF’s DE Program—Archana Nishad, a 10th grade student from Uttarakhand and Navpreet
Kaur, a 9th grade student from Punjab. While both girls struggled with staying in school through trying
circumstances, their stories highlighted two markedly different scenarios. Archana had lost her father at
a young age and wanted to drop out of school during the pandemic to help her mother run the
household. However, her mother’s encouragement, as well as the support of her teachers and the DE
facilitator turned her into a finalist at a National Drone and Satellite event. On the other hand,
Navpreet’s father, grappling with financial issues, was the one who wanted her to drop out because of
his lack of faith in her ability to succeed in learning. It was the young girl’s grit and the DE team’s support
that led her to be a winner at the codeathon championship and that changed her father’s mind. Both
girls are flourishing in school and determined to stay that way.
About the American India Foundation
The American India Foundation is committed to catalyzing social and economic change in India and
building a lasting bridge between the United States and India through high-impact interventions in
education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on
empowering girls and women to achieve gender equity. Working closely with local communities, AIF
partners with NGOs to develop and test innovative solutions and with governments to create and scale
sustainable impact. Founded in 2001 at the initiative of President Bill Clinton following a request from
Prime Minister Vajpayee, AIF has impacted the lives of 12.9 million of India’s poor in 31 states and union
territories.
For any queries in the US, please contact Braden Lay-Michaels at braden.lay@aif.org or Gita Mirchandani at
Gita@GitaPR.com.
