US Consulate launches scholarship program for underprivileged students in India

The US Consulate on Sunday launched a scholarship programme here for a select group of underprivileged students to hone up their English language skills. The 'English Access Micro Scholarship' will be given to 25 students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in the city, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, US Embassy New Delhi, David Kennedy, was quoted as saying in a release.

The programme provides a foundation of English language skills to selected 13-20-year-old talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, through after-school classes and intensive sessions, it said.

The acquired skills can lead the students to better jobs, educational opportunities, and the ability to participate in and compete for future exchanges and study in the US. 'Access' students will also get to know about US culture and democratic values through enhancement activities, the release said. The city-specific programme will continue for two years, following which the consulate may engage with another institute.

"The US government is extremely proud of the accomplishments of the English Access Micro Scholarship programme since it was set up in 2004. If our business as diplomats is to build lasting relationships between Americans and people from across the globe and in the process hopefully make the world a better place, then Access is the perfect tool," Kennedy said.

The programme is supported by the US Department of State and is managed by the Regional English Language Office in the US Embassy, New Delhi, in partnership with Delhi-based NGO 'Learning Links Foundation'.

(With inputs from agencies.)