Message from Dr. Sudha Kidao, Managing Trustee, FFEIT

Dear Friends,

Every new financial year brings with it a fresh sense of purpose. For us at FFE, the first quarter is a time to reflect on the journey we've taken, celebrate what we've accomplished, and reimagine what is possible. As we look back on the past year, we celebrate the milestones we've achieved together and the lives we've touched. As we enter this new financial year, we remain committed to expanding our reach, strengthening and deepening our impact, and creating even greater opportunities for the students we serve.

The visionary Founders of FFE, Dr. Prabhu and Mrs. Poonam Goel envisioned the transformation of the lives of talented students from financially constrained backgrounds in a single generation. This is achieved through financial and other support, creating deep impact in a single generation — the story of FFE.

With a clear focus, FFE served its mission by awarding scholarships to 22,498 students throughout India during FY 2025-26, the highest number supported to date in a single year. We are delighted to welcome 7,154 new scholars into the FFE family — the talented torchbearers of tomorrow. With students from 28 states and 5 Union territories, FFE's national program boasts the participation of 35% women. The cohort includes 70% BE/BTech, 28% MBBS and 2% LLB students attending 600+ colleges in 28 states and 5 Union territories. The unprecedented response of over 43,000 applications underscores the immense unmet need for educational support and the significant gaps that remain. It reinforces the urgency of expanding access to opportunities for deserving students.

This remarkable journey of growth and impact was made possible through the active participation and support of our donors (alumni, individuals and 130+ corporate partners and Foundations), alumni, volunteer Facilitators, mentors, NGO partners, skilling partners and our enthusiastic student community. We are thankful for your enduring support for not just your direct participation and contributions but to generously opening up your networks to FFE — for new contributions, collaborations and partnerships.

It is this collective commitment that enables FFE to go beyond scholarships, building a holistic support ecosystem that empowers students to thrive at every stage of their journey. This edition highlights these successful initiatives as well as the many sponsor/donor/mentor-student interactions that are special moments of learning and understanding.

My thanks to FFE's Board for their guidance and support throughout the year. I am proud and deeply grateful to FFE's passionate and dedicated team, led by our CEO, Ram Kolavennu. My heartfelt thanks to each of them for their dedication and tireless efforts to serve our mission.

As we look ahead, we do so with renewed purpose and optimism, committed to another year of learning, collaboration, and empowering students to transform their aspirations into achievements. We invite you to join us on this journey and make it your own as we continue to strive to empower more students.

Message from Ram Kolavennu, CEO, FFEIT

Dear FFE Community,

As we step into FY 2026–27, I'm energized by how quickly this quarter's momentum has translated into new partnerships, new geographies, and new ways of supporting our scholars. We welcomed several new donor partners this quarter — Rackspace Technology, whose scholarship programme supports 37 engineering and medical scholars; Booking Holdings India CoE, now supporting 20 MBBS and BTech students; and Vector Informatik India — each bringing fresh energy and new opportunities for our scholars to connect with industry leaders.

A particular highlight this quarter was the launch of our partnership with Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST). Beyond the MBBS Rural Healthcare Scholarship, we began our Rural Healthcare Fellowship — a two-year program placing young doctors in resource-constrained rural and tribal health settings. By the end of June, our first four Fellows had taken up placements in Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka, and Arunachal Pradesh. This is exactly the kind of initiative that reflects FFE's evolution — from funding education to building the pipeline of professionals India's underserved communities need most.

Our FY 2025–26 Mentorship Program concluded this quarter with 26 closure sessions across corporate partners including Google, Microsoft, Dell, TransUnion CIBIL, Synopsys, and Lennox — guiding over 2,500 scholars with support from 100+ corporations. I'm proud that partnerships like Microsoft's have now run five consecutive years, and TransUnion CIBIL's six, a testament to the lasting value both mentors and mentees find in this program. We've already launched the 2026–27 cycle, with over 2,100 volunteer nominations and 1,400+ scholars registered so far — momentum we hope to build on through July.

On the skilling front, we're excited to be expanding our AI literacy offerings, including a new partnership with Anthropic Academy to give scholars access to foundational AI fluency courses, alongside the 6,000+ scholars already engaging with OpenAI Academy. We also launched Launchpad with Avanti Fellows, a peer-led support initiative for first-generation learners, and saw 21 scholars selected for our Global Virtual Summer Research Internship, working alongside professors from Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, NYU, IIT Madras, and other leading institutions.

None of this happens without the dedication of our own team, and our Annual Retreat in Bengaluru this June was a wonderful reminder of the culture that makes it possible — even as we stay focused on the work ahead.

Thank you to our donors, corporate partners, mentors, and scholars for a strong start to the new financial year. Together, we continue building pathways to opportunity, one scholar at a time.

Firstsource Solutions Limited Donor-Scholar Meet

8 April 2026 · Online

On 8 April 2026, FFE-Firstsource scholars participated in an enriching interaction with leaders from Firstsource Solutions Limited, a long-standing partner supporting deserving students in their higher education journey.

The session featured insights from Sankara Mahalingam (Global Lead, Social Purpose Programs), Alexander Patel (Associate Director, Operations), Raghupathy N (AVP, Operations), and Hiren Shah (Senior Manager). Mr. Ram Kolavennu, CEO of FFE, highlighted the transformative impact of the FFE-Firstsource partnership. The interaction provided valuable mentorship, industry exposure, and encouragement, helping scholars prepare for successful careers.

Scholars shared their academic experiences and engaged in discussions on career planning, skill development, workplace expectations, and future opportunities.

FFE-Firstsource scholars interact with Firstsource leaders during the Donor-Scholar Meet, gaining valuable career guidance, industry insights, and mentorship.

A scholar shares her experience during the FFE-Firstsource Donor-Scholar Meet.

Rackspace Technologies Donor-Scholar Meet

10 April 2026 · Online

On 10th April, FFE hosted its first interaction with Rackspace Technologies, marking the launch of the FFE–Rackspace Scholarship Programme supporting 37 female scholars in engineering and medical fields. Scholars engaged with over 70 Rackspace employees and senior leaders on themes of time management, communication, self-advocacy, and learning beyond academics.

Senior leaders who shared their insights included Manasi Phadnis (Senior Director, Software Development), Shriram Patwardhan (Product & Technology Head, Asia Pacific), Sumit Chhabra (Manager, Cloud Database Engineering), and Amandeep Singh (Manager, Customer Success).

FFE scholars connecting virtually with Rackspace Technologies employees and senior leaders during the Month of Giving, at the first Donor-Scholar Meet.

Collins Aerospace Donor–Scholar Virtual Connect & Mentorship Program Closure

21 April 2026 · Online

On 21st April 2026, FFE hosted a virtual Donor–Scholar Connect and Mentorship Program Closure Session with Collins Aerospace-supported scholars, Collins mentors, and Collins volunteers, celebrating a year of learning, guidance, and growth.

During the session, scholars shared how the scholarship, mentorship program, and corporate exposure visits have strengthened their academic journey, boosted their confidence, and provided valuable industry insights.

Mentors and mentees reflected on the meaningful relationships they had built and the knowledge they had gained through their interactions over the course of the program.

A key highlight of the event was an engaging presentation by Mr. Senthil Nedumaran, Principal Engineer at Collins Aerospace, who offered scholars a glimpse into the company's innovative technologies and engineering excellence. Scholars also had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Amit Sawarkar, CSR Manager – India, Collins Aerospace, whose encouraging words inspired them to continue striving toward their goals.

The session also marked the successful completion of the mentorship program by 38 mentor-mentee pairs, whose dedication and guidance played a pivotal role in supporting the scholars' personal and professional development.

Collins Aerospace scholars, mentors, donors, and team members come together virtually to celebrate a year of learning, mentorship, and growth during the Donor–Scholar Connect and Mentorship Program Closure Session.

Mentor–Mentee Testimonials

Booking Holdings India CoE Donor-Scholar Meet

22 April 2026 · Online

On 22 April 2026, FFE facilitated the first donor–scholar interaction session with Booking Holdings India Centre of Excellence, marking the beginning of a meaningful partnership in FY 2025–26. Through this collaboration, Booking Holdings is supporting 20 deserving MBBS and BTech students. The virtual session brought together scholars, senior leaders, and employees of Bookings, creating an engaging platform for learning and connection.

A highlight of the event was scholars sharing their inspiring stories of resilience, determination, and ambition. FFE is grateful to Booking Holdings India CoE for investing in both educational opportunities and meaningful engagement that empowers students to achieve their aspirations.

Scholars, leaders, and employees from Booking Holdings India CoE connect virtually during the inaugural donor–scholar interaction session, fostering inspiration, learning, and meaningful engagement.

Vector Informatik India Private Limited Donor Scholar Meet

30 April 2026 · Online

On 30th April, FFE hosted its first Donor-Scholar Interaction with Vector Informatik India Pvt. Ltd. The session was attended by Mr. Brahmanand Patil, Managing Director, and Mr. Santosh Mamadapur, Project Manager, from Vector Informatik India Pvt. Ltd. It was also a proud moment to share that an FFE alumnus Mr. Anil Naik, Product Engineer, is currently working with the company. Scholars shared their academic journeys and aspirations, while the leadership team encouraged them to embrace continuous learning, build skills gradually, overcome fear, and explore new opportunities.

FFE's first Donor-Scholar Interaction with Vector Informatik India Pvt. Ltd. fostered meaningful conversations, inspiring scholars to pursue growth, learning, and new opportunities.

Donor Meet with LinkedIn

1 May 2026 · Offline

On 1 May 2026, FFE had the privilege of hosting the Social Impact Leaders from LinkedIn for their first visit to our office. The interaction brought together 10 scholars and alumni, including professionals currently working at LinkedIn and Microsoft, for meaningful conversations on growth, aspirations, and career journeys. More than just a meeting, the gathering reflected the transformative impact of education and opportunity, highlighting the ripple effect of strong partnerships and shared commitment to empowering future leaders.

FFE welcomed LinkedIn's Social Impact Leaders for an inspiring exchange with scholars and alumni, celebrating the power of education, opportunity, and meaningful partnerships.

Donor-Scholar Interaction with FFE's Donor Mrs. K. Saroja

8 May 2026 · Online

On 8 May 2026, FFE facilitated a heartwarming interaction between Mrs. K. Saroja and her supported MBBS scholar. The scholar spoke about her academic journey, family, and future aspirations, with Mrs. Saroja encouraging her to work hard and pursue her dreams with confidence. The interaction was especially touching as she told the scholar, "You are like my daughter, and I want to see you succeed in life." Reflecting on her 20-year association with FFE, Mrs. Saroja shared how rewarding it has been to witness the transformative impact of education on the lives of deserving students.

A heartwarming donor-scholar interaction between Mrs. K. Saroja and her supported MBBS scholar.

Career Guidance Session for Jindal Stainless Scholars

9 May 2026 · Online

On 9 May 2026, engineering students supported under the Jindal Stainless Scholars Program participated in an engaging career guidance session on Resume Building and Cracking Interviews. Led by Mr. Uttam Panda, Head of Talent Acquisition, Jajpur, the session provided practical insights on creating impactful resumes, preparing for interviews, understanding recruiter expectations, and building professional confidence. Scholars actively participated in discussions and asked thoughtful questions on career readiness and employability skills, making the session highly interactive and valuable.

Jindal Stainless scholars engage in an interactive career guidance session on resume building, interview preparation, and professional readiness.

Donor Scholar Interaction with Bajaj Finserv

15 May 2026 · Online

A wonderful and engaging virtual donor–scholar interaction was organised on 15th May 2026 with Mr. Mohit T., Manager CSR at Bajaj Finserv, along with nearly 75 students supported through the Bajaj Finserv Scholarship Program. Mr. Mohit warmly connected with the students to understand their college experiences, academic progress, and the impact of the FFE scholarship on their educational journey. He also discussed their aspirations related to internships, career readiness opportunities, and other scholarships they may have explored.

The interaction was a meaningful and enriching experience for both the donor and the scholars. It was heartening to witness such open conversations, encouragement, and mutual appreciation, and we received extremely positive feedback from all participants.

Mr. Mohit T., Manager CSR at Bajaj Finserv, interacts with FFE scholars during an engaging donor–scholar session focused on academic progress, career aspirations, and future opportunities.

Donor Scholar Virtual Meet with We The Solution

15 May 2026 · Online

FFE hosted a donor-scholar interaction session with We The Solution, attended by Directors Ms. Divya Marigowda and Ms. Vinitha Rajesh, along with Ms. Geetha Nagendra (Chairperson) and Ms. Jyothi Lakshmi Satish (Secretary). The interaction brought together one graduating B.Tech scholar, seven second-year B.Tech scholars, and six MBBS 1st Year scholars. The donors expressed pride in the scholars' achievements and encouraged them to remain confident and focused on their education. Reassuring the students, they said, "Don't worry about what you faced in the past or about financial challenges — just focus on your studies and fly." The donors also motivated scholars to give back to society and support deserving students once they begin their professional journeys.

A donor-scholar interaction with We The Solution that encouraged scholars to dream big, stay focused on their education.

Naresh Bala Excellence Fellowship (NBEF)

17 May 2026 · Offline

On 17th May 2026, the Naresh Bala Excellence Fellowship (NBEF) hosted NBEF Milana 2026 in Bangalore, bringing together scholars, alumni, and parents for a day of celebration and learning. As a partner of FFE, NBEF has been supporting qualifying Engineering and Medical scholars in pursuing higher education and achieving their aspirations. The event provided a platform to come together, reflect on the journey, and celebrate the achievements of scholars and alumni supported by NBEF.

The program included an introduction to NBEF, engaging interactive activities, and a career guidance session for FFE-NBEF scholars. It also served as a valuable platform for scholars to connect with fellow students, alumni, exchange experiences, and gain insights for their future careers.

FFE Team shared the impact of its partnership with NBEF and highlighted the inspiring journeys of scholars whose lives have been transformed through the support of the FFE-NBEF Scholarship Program. We are grateful to NBEF for their continued commitment to empowering talented and deserving students through education, mentorship, and encouragement.

Scholars, alumni, and parents at NBEF Milana 2026, celebrating learning, achievements, and the power of community.

The Late Uma Gupta–FFE Scholarship Program: Donor–Scholar Meet

20 May 2026 · Online

On 20 May 2026, a Donor–Scholar Meet was held with Ms. Liril Gupta and her brothers, Mr. Puruskar Gupta and Mr. Prashant Gupta, who interacted with two first-year MBBS scholars supported under The Late Uma Gupta–FFE Scholarship Program. The scholars shared their aspirations and reflected on how the scholarship has reduced their families' financial burden, enabling them to pursue medical education with confidence. Dr. Sudha Kidao, Managing Trustee, FFEIT, also joined the session and encouraged the scholars. The interaction highlighted the meaningful impact of donor support on students' educational journeys.

A heartwarming interaction celebrating dreams, determination, and the power of philanthropy.

Donor-Scholar Meet – FFE-Mr. Manoj Gupta Scholarship Program

21 May 2026 · Online

On 21st May, a Donor-Scholar Meet was held with the MBBS scholar supported by Mr. Manoj Gupta. During the interaction, the scholar shared her academic journey and expressed her gratitude for the scholarship support, which has enabled her to pursue her medical education with focus. Entering her final year of MBBS this year, she shared her experiences and aspirations for the next stage of her medical journey.

Mr. Manoj Gupta interacted with the scholar sharing words of encouragement and guidance for her future.

The interaction celebrated the scholar's progress while highlighting the transformative role of donor support in helping deserving students pursue their dreams and build meaningful careers.

Mr. Manoj Gupta interacts with his scholarship recipient, celebrating her progress in medical education and aspirations for a future in healthcare.

Donor-Scholar Meet – FFE-Late Mrs. Savita Gupta Memorial Scholarship Program

22 May 2026 · Online

On 22nd May, a Donor-Scholar meet between donors Ms. Liril Gupta and Mr. Manish Gupta and their scholars was held virtually. Dr. Sudha Kidao, Managing Trustee, FFEIT, also attended the session and interacted with the scholars.

The final year B.Pharm scholar shared her future plans on graduating this year, while the MBBS scholar spoke about her aspirations and the specialization she hopes to pursue upon completing her MBBS next year.

The interactive session reflected the bond established between the donors and students with the donors providing not only financial support but also guidance and connecting them to mentors. It was a meaningful interaction that celebrated the scholars' progress and motivated them.

Celebrating scholars' achievements and future aspirations through a strong and enduring donor–scholar partnership.

Donor Scholar Virtual Meet with Prof. Ravindranath Krothapalli

22 May 2026 · Online

On 22 May, FFE organized a donor-scholar interaction with individual donor Prof. Ravindranath Krothapalli. The session was attended by two graduating MBBS scholars and two first-year Engineering scholars. Scholars actively participated in meaningful discussions, sharing their academic journeys, challenges, and achievements. Prof. Krothapalli encouraged the graduating scholars to stay prepared for emerging opportunities and to contribute to the nation through their skills and knowledge. He also inspired students to support others once they are established in their careers, helping create opportunities for future generations.

An interaction with Prof. Ravindranath Krothapalli inspired scholars to embrace lifelong learning, seize future opportunities, and give back to society.

o9 Solutions Management India Private Limited Donor-Scholar Interaction

22 May 2026 · Online

FFE hosted its first Donor-Scholar Interaction with o9 Solutions Management India Private Limited on 22nd May 2026, bringing together o9 employees and the scholars they support. The session created a meaningful platform for donors and scholars to connect, exchange experiences, and gain deeper insights into each other's journeys.

Scholars shared their academic aspirations, personal stories, and how the scholarship has helped ease financial constraints, enabling them to pursue higher education with greater confidence and focus. Donors had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the impact of their support and engage in inspiring conversations with the students.

The interaction was attended by Carlos Cuyás Grases, Social Impact Lead, o9 Solutions, Inc., and Anjali Jha, Social Impact Lead, India, whose encouragement and engagement made the session particularly memorable. The event laid the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship between the scholars and the o9 Solutions team.

Scholars supported by o9 Solutions interact with Carlos Cuyás Grases and Anjali Jha during FFE's first Donor-Scholar Interaction with o9 Solutions.

Amansa Capital Donor-Scholar Interaction

27 May 2026 · Online

On 27 May 2026, FFE facilitated the second donor-scholar interaction between Amansa Capital and its supported scholars. Building on the rapport established during the previous meeting, the session was both engaging and insightful. Mr. Pawan Sachdeva, Impact Investment Analyst, Amansa Capital Pte. Ltd., interacted with the scholars, seeking updates on their academics, internships, skill-development activities, and overall progress. The scholars appreciated the opportunity to share their achievements, challenges, and future goals. The continuity of these interactions reflects Amansa Capital's commitment to the holistic growth of the students, creating a supportive environment that extends beyond financial assistance and encourages scholars to strive for excellence.

Creating impact beyond scholarships by nurturing confidence, ambition, and success.

Donor Scholar Meet with Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (GOSUMEC) donor Dr. Mehul Gandhi

28 May 2026 · Online

On 28th May 2026, we had a donor-scholar interaction between GOSUMEC donor Dr. Mehul Gandhi and his supported scholar, Shrinivas Tamboli, an alumnus of GS Seth. Dr. Mehul took time to understand more about Shrinivas' family background, his college experience, and how he is adapting to life in Mumbai after moving from Nanded.

Dr. Mehul also encouraged Shrinivas to actively participate in extracurricular activities alongside focusing on academics, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy mindset during college life.

Dr. Mehul Gandhi interacts with his supported scholar, offering encouragement, guidance, and valuable insights for a balanced and successful college journey.

Donor-Scholar Meet – FFE-Barracuda Scholarship Program

29 May 2026 · Online

On 29th May, a Donor-Scholar Meet was organized, bringing together graduating scholars sponsored by Barracuda. Mr. Rohit Aradhya, Managing Director and VP of Engineering at Barracuda, addressed the scholars.

During the interaction, the scholars reflected on their four-year engineering journey and shared how scholarship support, skills training, and mentorship contributed to their academic, personal, and professional growth. They also spoke about their internship experiences, job placements, and aspirations as they prepare to begin their careers.

Mr. Rohit engaged with the scholars and shared valuable insights from his professional journey. His experiences, guidance, and words of encouragement provided the scholars with practical perspectives as they transition from campus to the workplace.

The interaction celebrated the scholars' achievements. Interactions like these highlight the power of collaboration and sustained support in helping young talent thrive and build successful careers.

Graduating scholars interact with Barracuda leader Mr. Rohit Aradhya, gaining valuable career insights as they prepare to begin their professional journeys.

IIMA (Alumni Batch of 2005) Donor-Scholar Interaction

30 May 2026 · Online

FFE hosted a meaningful Donor-Scholar Interaction with members of the IIMA Batch of 2005 on 30th May 2026. Through their support of 20 engineering, medical, and law scholars, the batch continues to create transformative educational opportunities for deserving students.

The interaction brought together scholars supported under the FFE–Megha Mehta Memorial Scholarship, which supports 10 female engineering scholars, and the FFE–Shaleen Jain Memorial Scholarship, which supports 10 engineering, medical, and law scholars. Beyond discussing academic progress and future aspirations, the session focused on the inspiring lives, values, and legacies of Megha Mehta and Shaleen Jain, in whose memory these scholarships were established.

As scholars learned about the remarkable individuals behind these scholarships, they gained a deeper appreciation of the responsibility and privilege of carrying forward their legacy through their own achievements. The interaction fostered a strong sense of connection, purpose, and gratitude, serving as a powerful reminder that every scholarship represents not only financial support, but also a story, a legacy, and a shared commitment to empowering future generations.

Honouring legacies and inspiring futures through a memorable donor–scholar interaction with the IIMA Batch of 2005.

Members of the IIMA Batch of 2005 interact with scholars supported during a Donor-Scholar Meet.

FFE–Bengal Finance Donor–Scholar Meet

3 June 2026 · Online

On 3 June 2026, graduating MBBS scholars supported under the FFE–Bengal Finance Scholarship Program participated in a heartwarming donor–scholar interaction. Scholars reflected on their MBBS journey, NEET PG preparation, internship plans, and future specializations. Mr. Babu Joseph encouraged the scholars and highlighted the support of Mr. Ramesh Kacholia and his family, while scholars expressed gratitude for the additional assistance provided for NEET PG preparation. Dr. Sudha Kidao also interacted with the scholars and introduced the FFE Rural Healthcare Fellowship Program. The session celebrated achievement, gratitude, and aspirations for the future.

Graduating MBBS scholars come together to celebrate their achievements and discuss future aspirations during the FFE–Bengal Finance Donor–Scholar Meet.

Donor-Scholar Interaction with Ms. Radhika Gupta

22 June 2026 · Online

On 22nd June, a donor-scholar interaction was held with our individual donor, Ms. Radhika Gupta, who is supporting a medical scholar for her entire course duration. Ms. Gupta appreciated the scholar's courage in overcoming challenges to pursue medical education and encouraged her to prioritise her mental and physical well-being. She advised her to focus on building strong concepts and gaining practical knowledge rather than worrying excessively about marks. The scholar shared her aspiration to become a doctor and serve the needy in future.

An inspiring donor-scholar interaction with Ms. Radhika Gupta highlighted the importance of resilience, well-being, and mentorship in shaping the journey of a future doctor.

FFE–Fraternité France India Scholarship Program Donor-Scholar Meet

29 June 2026 · Online

On 29th June, scholars supported under the FFE–Fraternité France India Scholarship Program had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Alexandre Guion, Chief Strategy & Procurement Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Raphe mPhibr, during a virtual Donor-Scholar Meet.

The session provided scholars with valuable insights into India's rapidly evolving technology landscape and emerging opportunities in the sector. Drawing from his professional experience, Dr. Guion encouraged scholars to broaden their perspectives, stay adaptable, and continuously build skills for the future. Scholars also shared their academic journeys, aspirations, and the positive impact the scholarship has had on their educational pursuits.

FFE extends its sincere gratitude to Raphe mPhibr and Dr. Alexandre Guion for their continued support and for inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Scholars of the FFE–Fraternité France India Scholarship Program engage in an insightful virtual interaction with Dr. Alexandre Guion, during a Donor-Scholar Meet.

Scholars of the FFE–Fraternité France India Scholarship Program during the virtual Donor-Scholar Meet.

Alumni Engagement Initiatives

We have commenced several alumni engagement initiatives this financial year to strengthen our alumni network and enhance alumni participation in FFE's mission. As part of our outreach efforts this quarter, we have been connecting with alumni and inviting them to volunteer as Facilitators and Mentors. Through these roles, alumni can support scholars throughout their scholarship journey by providing guidance, mentorship, career coaching, and personal development support.

We also conducted our first alumni engagement meeting focused on the Alumni Referral Campaign. Alumni representatives from Microsoft, JioHotstar, and Broadcom participated in the discussion and shared valuable insights on outreach strategies and engagement initiatives. The group identified a list of target companies and discussed approaches to strengthening corporate connections through the alumni network.

In addition, discussions were held on creating internship and placement opportunities for FFE scholars by leveraging the professional networks and industry expertise of our alumni. These initiatives are expected to enhance career opportunities for scholars while deepening alumni engagement and contribution to FFE's mission.

Alumni Donor and Board Member – Roshan Khole along with Alumni Donors Rahul Kotecha and Narayanan Ulaganathan.

Alumni Donor and Scholar Interaction

This quarter, we initiated four virtual interactions under the Adopt a Scholar Program (ASP), enabling alumni donors to connect directly with their adopted scholars. These sessions provide a comfortable platform for scholars and donors to interact, share experiences, communicate in their regional language, seek guidance, and build meaningful connections within the FFE community.

Donor Gururaj Rudagi with his Scholars Anjali V, Eramma Madagi and Laxmi Ramesh.

Donor Dr. Rahman Raf Samjani and Scholar Mohd Rehan.

Donor Nilay Das and Scholar Swastika Ghosh.

Collaborating for Greater Impact: FFE at Thomson Reuters' Event – Ekam

16 April 2026 · Offline

FFE was invited to participate in Ekam, a social impact initiative organized by Thomson Reuters, Bengaluru. The event brought together NGO partners, leaders, employees, and beneficiaries to celebrate collective impact.

Mr. Ram Kolavennu, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation For Excellence, represented FFE as a panelist in the CSR Panel Discussion, where he highlighted the impact of FFE's partnership with Thomson Reuters. The discussion showcased the value of FFE's Mentorship Program, which has demonstrated positive outcomes in scholars' career progression and compensation, as well as the importance of capacity-building initiatives such as Social Impact Sprints.

The event fostered meaningful dialogue on collaboration, shared learning, and the collective efforts needed to drive sustainable social impact.

Collins Aerospace Corporate Exposure Visit

17 April 2026 · Offline

On 17 April, 49 FFE engineering scholars visited the Collins Aerospace facility in Devanahalli for a full-day corporate exposure program. The visit included an introduction to aircraft systems, a facility and shop-floor tour, and a live demonstration of an aircraft evacuation slide deployment, offering practical insights into aerospace technology, manufacturing, safety engineering, and innovation. Scholars also interacted with Collins Aerospace leaders, who shared perspectives on career opportunities, industry expectations, and essential engineering skills. FFE thanks Mr. Amit Sawarkar, the Collins Aerospace team, and FFE alumni Praveen and Srikanth S. for making this enriching experience possible.

FFE engineering scholars during their corporate exposure visit to Collins Aerospace.

Rackspace Technology Donor-Scholar Meet

17 April 2026 · Offline

On 17th April, 32 FFE Engineering Scholars from Delhi NCR visited the Rackspace Technology office at Cybercity, Gurgaon for an immersive Donor-Scholar Meet. The scholars got a first-hand look at a leading technology workplace through an office tour, followed by mentoring circles and speed mentoring sessions with Senior Technology Leaders from Rackspace. The conversations were candid, insightful, and rich with practical guidance — scholars came prepared with thoughtful questions and made the most of every interaction.

FFE Engineering Scholars in mentoring circles with Senior Technology Leaders at the Rackspace Technology office, Cybercity, Gurgaon.

Amazon and FFE Celebrate Scholar Successes and Strengthen Pathways to Future Careers

27 April 2026 · Offline

On 27th April, FFE along with the Amazon future engineer team hosted the Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) US Customer Experience & Skilling team and FFE-AFE scholars at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, bringing together Amazon leaders and scholars for an inspiring afternoon of conversations and shared experiences. The event featured 10 scholars from across India—including interns, return interns, and full-time Amazonians—who reflected on their journeys from scholarship recipients to mentors for younger cohorts. Discussions focused on expanding internship opportunities and strengthening career pathways for scholars. To date, 530 FFE-AFE scholars have secured internships, highlighting the growing impact of the partnership.

The event was a celebration of the scholars' achievements and the collective commitment of Amazon and FFE to empowering the next generation of technology leaders. We were joined by Betty Beniam, Senior Product Manager, Amazon Future Engineer, Prateek Agarwal – IN Education Lead@ Amazon and Candi Castleberry (VP Amazon eXperience and Upskilling (AXU)) at the Leela Palace, Bangalore.

From Opportunity to Achievement: FFE-AFE Scholars Shine at the Amazon Together Summit

28 April 2026 · Offline

On 28th April, FFE-AFE scholars Vaishnavi, Rinki, and Suchana proudly represented the program at the Amazon Together Summit, at Amazon, Bangalore, sharing their inspiring journeys with an audience of over 550 Amazonians. From Vaishnavi's transition from AFE intern to full-time Amazonian, to Rinki's internship experience and Suchana's resilience in securing a PPO at Siemens after not receiving a return internship offer, their stories showcased the transformative impact of the FFE–Amazon Future Engineer partnership.

The event also featured inspiring sessions by Bhumi Pednekar on diversity and inclusion, and Candi Castleberry, who recognized the remarkable achievements of FFE scholars, making it a memorable celebration of perseverance, opportunity, and success.

Mentorship, Resume Building & Career Readiness at Amazon Hyderabad

7 May 2026 · Offline

On 7th May 2026, Amazon, in collaboration with Foundation For Excellence (FFE), hosted a Speed Mentoring Session for 50 AFE female scholars at its Hyderabad office. The session focused on resume building, career readiness, and industry exposure through one-on-one interactions with Amazon volunteers and leaders.

Scholars received valuable guidance on professional communication, resume development, and navigating career opportunities in the technology sector. For many students, this was a unique opportunity to interact with industry professionals and gain first-hand exposure to a corporate environment. The session helped build confidence, enhance career awareness, and equip scholars with practical insights as they prepare to enter the workforce.

A Day of Learning, Mentorship & Technology at Amazon, Bangalore

20 May 2026 · Offline

On 20th May 2026, Amazon hosted a Speed Mentoring Session for 50 FFE female engineering scholars at its BLR37 office in Bangalore. Scholars from Computer Science, IT, AI, and ML studying in 1st and 2nd year of Engineering in Bangalore colleges participated in an engaging day of coding, robotics, mentorship, and career exploration.

The session provided students with valuable opportunities to interact with Amazon leaders and volunteers, gain hands-on technical experience, and learn more about careers in technology. For many scholars, it was also their first experience in a corporate office environment, making the day both exciting and inspiring.

The highlight of the session was seeing the scholars code, build robots, and interact with senior leaders including Mr. Samir Kumar, Vice President and Country Manager, Amazon. Through meaningful mentor interactions and practical learning activities, the scholars gained confidence, broadened their horizons, and strengthened their readiness for future careers in technology.

RIST Program Commencement: Advancing Rural Healthcare Through Scholarships and Fellowships

18 May 2026 · Online & Offline

On 18 May 2026, MBBS scholars supported under the FFE–RIST Rural Healthcare Scholarship Program participated in an inspiring donor–scholar interaction with leaders from Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST) and FFE. Mr. Paul Glick, Executive Director, and Ms. Laura Reynold, Program Director, RIST, shared words of encouragement and emphasized the critical role young doctors can play in improving healthcare outcomes in rural India. Dr. Sudha Kidao, Mr. Ram Kolavennu, and Ms. Tanvi Rawat also engaged with the scholars, who shared their academic journeys and aspirations to serve their communities through medicine.

The quarter also witnessed the launch of the FFE–RIST Rural Healthcare Fellowship, a two-year program designed to address the shortage of MBBS doctors in rural and tribal regions. Through partnerships with rural hospitals, community health centres, mission hospitals, and non-profit healthcare institutions, the fellowship aims to provide doctors with opportunities to begin their careers in resource-constrained settings while gaining valuable clinical experience, mentorship, and professional development support.

During the quarter, FFE onboarded more than 10 healthcare partner organizations across multiple states and conducted site visits in Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha to strengthen partnerships and understand local healthcare needs. A significant milestone was achieved on 25 May 2026 when the first Rural Healthcare Fellow joined Swasthya Swaraj Society in Odisha. By the end of June, four fellows had accepted placements with partner organizations in Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Together, these initiatives reflect the shared commitment of FFE and RIST to building a pipeline of skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who are equipped and motivated to serve India's most underserved communities.

FFE–RIST MBBS scholars engage with RIST and FFE leaders during an inspiring donor–scholar interaction.

FFE team during a site visit to a healthcare institution in rural Maharashtra.

The first FFE Rural Healthcare Fellow begins his journey at Swasthya Swaraj Society, Odisha, marking the start of the Rural Healthcare Fellowship Program.

Joy Thomas Foundation's Evening of Joy Celebrates Partnership, Purpose, and Impact

19 June 2026 · Offline

The Joy Thomas Foundation (JTF) hosted its Evening of Joy at St. Joseph's Boys High School, Bangalore, on the 19th June 2026, bringing together donors, scholars, mentors, volunteers, and partners to celebrate the collective impact of its programs. A key highlight of the evening was a Fireside Chat featuring FFE CEO Mr. Ram Kolavennu, moderated by Mr. Mani Iyer, Operations Lead, Joy Thomas Foundation.

Mr. Ram reflected on the journey of the FFE–JTF partnership, the unique strengths of FFE's holistic scholarship model, and the transformative outcomes achieved through years of collaboration. The discussion also highlighted JTF's invaluable contributions through mentoring, internships, webinars, and career guidance, demonstrating how the partnership has empowered scholars to succeed both academically and professionally. The event also celebrated the Loyola Technology Center (LTC) STEM Lab at St. Joseph's Boys High School, whose programs are nurturing the next generation of STEM students across urban and rural Karnataka. The evening concluded with the presentation of the 2025 Joy Thomas Prize and a shared celebration of the lives transformed through the continued commitment of both organizations and their supporters.

Ahead of the event, on 18 June 2026, Mrs. Maya Srinivasan, a Joy Thomas Foundation member who works closely with FFE on JTF webinars and internship initiatives for JTF scholars, visited the FFE office. During the meeting, the FFE team shared updates on its programs and the progress of the FFE–JTF partnership, while both teams reflected on the meaningful impact being created through their collaboration in empowering scholars.

Joy Thomas Foundation's Evening of Joy celebrates partnership, purpose, and impact.

FFE Scholars Explore Industry Insights at KLA Chennai

19 June 2026 · Offline

On 19th June, 24 FFE scholars participated in a half-day workshop hosted by KLA as part of its Global Volunteer Week 2026. The workshop offered valuable insights into the semiconductor industry and KLA's role in driving innovation, helping scholars connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.

Scholars also engaged in sessions stressing the importance of critical thinking, storytelling, problem-solving, and the importance of human skills in the workplace. The event concluded with one-on-one mock interviews, where KLA volunteers provided personalized feedback to help scholars strengthen their interview readiness.

FFE scholars engage with KLA volunteers during an interactive workshop.

FFE Annual Retreat 2026: Celebrating Connections, Creativity, and Community

8–11 June 2026 · Offline

From 8–11 June 2026, the FFE team came together in Bengaluru for the much-anticipated Annual Retreat 2026 — four memorable days dedicated to connection, reflection, well-being, and celebration.

The retreat provided a valuable opportunity for colleagues across teams to step away from their daily routines, strengthen relationships, and recharge while celebrating the collective impact we continue to create for our scholars.

The program featured a diverse mix of wellness, creativity, team-building, and recognition activities. Team members participated in a calming Sound Healing Session, explored self-reflection and expressed their creativity during a vibrant ArtDelight Sip & Paint Workshop. An energetic Dance Session brought everyone together through movement, laughter, and shared enthusiasm.

One of the highlights of the retreat was the Childhood Photo Challenge, where team members attempted to match colleagues with their childhood photographs — leading to plenty of surprises and memorable conversations.

The Games & Awards Night on 9 June combined fun team activities with a special recognition ceremony, celebrating the contributions and achievements of colleagues over the past year. Informal networking opportunities over meals and social gatherings throughout the retreat further strengthened bonds across the organization.

As the retreat concluded, the FFE team returned with renewed energy, stronger connections, and a shared sense of purpose. More than just an annual gathering, the retreat served as a reminder of the collaborative culture, care, and commitment that continue to define FFE's journey.

Here's to another year of learning, growth, and transforming lives together!

Bringing the FFE Family Together: Highlights from FFE's First Virtual Open House

25 June 2026 · Online

On 25 June, FFE hosted its 2026 Virtual Open House for its latest cohort of scholars, the first in this year's series of Annual Open House sessions.

The highlight of the event was an engaging keynote address by Mr. Ravi Rangaraju, Director – Regional HR at Thomson Reuters, who delivered a thought-provoking session titled "What AI did not teach me!". Exploring the uniquely human qualities that continue to matter in an AI-driven world, he encouraged students to cultivate skills such as resilience, creativity and empathy. The session struck a chord with the audience and sparked a lively Q&A, with students asking a wide range of insightful questions that reflected their curiosity and eagerness to learn.

FFE's CEO, Mr. Ram Kolavennu, also addressed the gathering, warmly welcoming the new scholars and congratulating them on their achievement. He spoke about the opportunities that lie ahead and encouraged students to make the most of the FFE community, resources and network throughout their academic journey.

The session also introduced scholars to FFE's Beyond Scholarship initiatives, showcasing the wide range of programs available to support their holistic development, including mentoring, career guidance, skill-building workshops, internships and networking opportunities. In addition, students received detailed information about scholarship processes and had the opportunity to clarify their scholarship-related queries.

Open House 1 set an inspiring tone for the journey ahead, equipping FFE's latest scholars with valuable insights and a clear understanding of the many opportunities available to help them succeed both academically and professionally.

FFE's Mentorship Program — FY 2025–26 Wrap-up

FFE's Mentorship Program for FY 2025–26 concluded in March 2026, marking another successful cycle of meaningful mentor–mentee engagement. During this cycle, over 2,500 (BE/BTech) Scholars were guided by professionals from more than 100 corporate partners.

To express our gratitude to our corporate partners and their employee volunteers for completing another successful year in FFE's mentorship program, FFE conducted 21 Mentorship Closure Sessions across April-June 2026. These sessions were held at partner offices in Bengaluru for Google, Synopsys (India) Pvt. Ltd., H&M Services Private Limited & 3M India Limited, whereas Keysight Technologies India Private Limited closure session was held in its Delhi office & Lennox India Technology Centre in its Chennai office. Virtual sessions were organized for Cimpress India Private Limited, Danfoss India, KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP, Cognizant Technology Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., Goodrich Aerospace Services Private Limited, Thomson Reuters International Services Pvt. Ltd., S&P Capital Iq India Pvt. Ltd., Akamai Technologies, Inc., Omnicon Global Solutions, HDFC, Dell Technologies Inc, Microsoft GDC, Microsoft IDC, o9 Solutions Management India Private Limited, Reliance Industries Limited, Hexagon, Wabtec India Industrial Private Limited, Wipro Foundation, Global Logic India Private Limited, Firstsource Solutions Limited, and TransUnion CIBIL.

Closure sessions for 3M, OGS, NetApp, and the Law Mentorship Program had already been completed in the previous quarter, while several additional corporate partner sessions were concluded during this quarter. Below are a few highlights from the recent closure sessions.

Overall, FFE conducted 26 closure sessions for the FY 2025–26 Mentorship Program, bringing the cycle to a meaningful close and further strengthening engagement with our valued corporate partners.

Mentoring Program Completion at SYNOPSYS, Bengaluru

9 April 2026 · Hybrid

The Hybrid Synopsys Mentoring Programme Closure Session, held at the Synopsys Bengaluru Office, marked the successful completion of the second mentoring cycle between FFE and Synopsys. The programme enabled meaningful mentor–mentee engagement focused on career guidance, professional development, and employability skills.

The session featured an inspiring address by Mr. Sriram Balasubramanium, Executive Director – IPG, Synopsys.

The mentoring cycle witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 34 employee volunteers enrol and participate as mentors, with 29 mentor-mentee pairs successfully completing the programme. Mentors and scholars reflected on the growth, confidence, and valuable insights gained throughout their mentoring journey.

Mentoring Program Completion Session at LENNOX, Chennai

10 April 2026 · Hybrid

The FFE-Lennox Mentoring Programme concluded successfully with 18 employees volunteering as mentors to FFE scholars. The FFE-Lennox mentoring program completion event was held in Chennai on 10th April, celebrating the growth, collaboration, and impact created through mentor–mentee interactions focused on career guidance, professional development, and employability skills. The Lennox leadership team acknowledged the programme's success and expressed enthusiasm to continue and expand the partnership in the new FY.

The 18 mentor–mentee pairs successfully completed the programme, contributing 234 mentoring hours and achieving an outstanding 94% programme completion rate. Mentors reflected on the meaningful connections and impact created throughout the journey, while 100% of mentees reported feeling more career-ready after completing the programme.

FFE-Lennox mentoring closure session held in Chennai — 10th April 2026.

Mentorship Program Completion Session – Google, Bengaluru

17 April 2026 · Offline

The FFE-Google Mentorship Program Closure Session marked the successful completion of the second mentoring cycle between FFE and Google.

This cycle saw 28 Google employee volunteers enrol as mentors and participate, achieving an outstanding 90% programme completion rate. A special highlight was the opportunity for two mentees to visit the Google Bengaluru office, including a surprise in-person interaction between the mentee and her mentor (Scholar – Nishmitha K G Ganapayya, Mentor – Nancy J, Senior Technical Program Manager at Google), making the experience especially memorable and meaningful.

Virtual Mentorship Program Completion Session – Microsoft

17 April 2026 · Online

The Microsoft Mentoring Program Closure Session marked the successful completion of the fifth year of the mentoring partnership between FFE and Microsoft.

This year, 136 Microsoft employee volunteers enrolled as mentors to FFE mentees; 101 mentor-mentee pairs successfully completed the mentoring journey. Additionally, during Microsoft Giving Month, 110 mentors extended their voluntary support to more than 200 students, offering valuable guidance and mentoring on both technical and soft skills.

A key highlight of the partnership is the continued commitment of recurring mentors who return each year, building meaningful and lasting relationships with their mentees and contributing significantly to their growth and confidence.

Virtual Mentorship Program Completion Session – TransUnion CIBIL

29 April 2026 · Online

The virtual FFE–TransUnion CIBIL Mentorship Program Completion Session marked the sixth successful year of mentorship participation by TU CIBIL employee volunteers, under TransUnion CIBIL's CSR Program Udaan, one of FFE's long-standing and impactful mentoring partnerships. The program focused on one-to-one mentor–mentee interactions centred on career guidance, professional development, and employability skills.

This cycle saw 131 TransUnion CIBIL employees volunteer as mentors, collectively contributing over 1,695 mentoring hours and achieving an outstanding 100% completion rate. Their mentoring helped 131 TransUnion CIBIL scholars build confidence, acquire career readiness skills, and clarity about their future aspirations.

Virtual Mentorship Program Completion Session – DELL

30 April 2026 · Online

The virtual FFE–Dell Mentoring Program Closure Session marked the successful completion of the fourth consecutive year of partnership between FFE and Dell. A total of 74 Dell employee volunteer mentors participated, collectively contributing nearly 900 mentoring hours towards guiding and supporting young scholars. Beyond mentoring, mentors also extended generous support to FFE's fundraising initiatives through cause card donations where every hour spent by a Dell mentor in the mentorship program raised funds and were donated to FFE.

Focused Group Discussions as part of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

16 April 2026 · Online

As part of our Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) efforts, FFE conducted its first Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with corporate program coordinators whose employees participated in the mentorship program. Representatives from Lennox, 3M, Cimpress, Annalect, Synopsys, and Guidewire took part in the discussion.

The session provided valuable insights into the impact of the mentoring program. Partners highlighted the positive experience for both scholars and mentors, with several mentors already expressing interest in volunteering for the subsequent mentoring cycle.

FFE received constructive feedback to further strengthen program delivery and corporate engagement. Overall, the session was highly productive and will help shape a more impactful mentoring experience in the coming year.

FFE-Mentorship Program 26-27 Initiation

FFE has initiated the Mentorship Program 26-27 for its 3rd year engineering scholars, for which the registration window is open until 15th July 2025. The mobilization, orientation and registration process for the program is ongoing. This year, 3,435 third-year engineering students are eligible for the program, with 1,430 students registered so far — and counting! To ensure both our scholars and volunteers are fully equipped to maximize this opportunity, the FFE team has already conducted 15 comprehensive mentee orientations alongside 18 dedicated mentor orientation sessions to seamlessly onboard everyone involved — the onboarding process is still ongoing. FFE has received 2,167 volunteer nominations across a dynamic mix of recurring and new corporate partners, with 1,084 mentors registered to date. FFE is excited and looking forward to maximum student enrollment for this very engaging and impactful mentoring program.

Mentorship Program Testimonial — Devarshi Balu (Mentee)

What I truly appreciated about the mentoring program was the overall structure, the flexibility in scheduling sessions, and most importantly, the comfort I felt with my mentor, Deepthi Ma'am. She created a space where I could be completely myself, without any hesitation or barriers. What stood out the most was how she went beyond the curriculum and shared insights from her own life experiences, making every session deeply relatable and impactful.

One of the biggest outcomes of this mentorship was when I applied these learnings in a real-life situation with my peers. We were faced with a complex academic issue, and I found myself naturally using the problem-solving approach my mentor had taught me — defining the problem clearly, identifying stakeholders, focusing on solutions, and most importantly, backing everything with data. Over the course of a few days, we were able to successfully resolve the issue with our faculty.

This experience made me realize how powerful the mentorship has been in shaping my thinking and approach. I'm truly grateful to Deepthi Ma'am and the FFE team for such a meaningful and transformative journey.

Mentorship Program Testimonial — Deepthi Karingattil (Mentor)

My experience with the FFE Mentoring Program has been incredibly fulfilling, especially having the opportunity to mentor Devarshi. He was very proactive, which made our interactions highly engaging and productive. He consistently came prepared for sessions, completed his pre-session assignments on time, and stayed connected even beyond our scheduled discussions.

What stood out to me was his openness to learning and his receptiveness to feedback. Over time, I could clearly see a significant improvement in his approach, confidence, and overall development. At the same time, this experience was equally enriching for me as I learned a great deal from Devarshi, particularly in understanding perspectives from a younger generation.

This program, when truly leveraged, creates meaningful value for both mentor and mentee. I am very grateful to have been part of this journey and to have mentored someone like Devarshi, who I strongly believe has a bright and promising future ahead.

Skills Development Program Overview

FFE's comprehensive skilling initiative continues to strengthen scholar readiness for the professional world by building strong communication, technical, aspirational and job-readiness skills.

During this quarter, 2,432 second-year BE scholars completed the English Helper programme supported by Capgemini; 65 Law Scholars are currently enrolled in the English Helper programme. 1,103 third-year scholars completed the Hi Touch advanced English programme backed by MSDF; and 85 final-year scholars undertook placement-focused communication training supported by Lenovo. FFE also launched a pilot advanced English programme in partnership with Orbit Skilling for 50, 3rd year engineering scholars to strengthen real-world communication, placement preparations and learner confidence.

A total of 5,259 first-year scholars, supported by MSDF, have commenced their AMCAT Baseline Assessment to evaluate and strengthen their aptitude, communication, logical reasoning, and data interpretation skills. Additionally, the first phase of 1,800 scholars, supported by Capgemini, are undertaking the Midline AMCAT Assessment, while 3,387 final-year scholars, supported by MSDF, are taking the Endline AMCAT Assessment as part of their employability development journey.

Across technical and aspirational programmes, 253 scholars enrolled in courses on NPTEL in the Jan-Apr semester, 420 scholars are progressing in the LearnTube technical skilling programme, and 6,000+ scholars are enrolled for AI courses offered by OpenAI Academy, while 2,100+ third-year scholars are enrolled in industry-relevant technical programmes on Coursera for FY25-26.

FFE is launching structured AI learning pathways to help scholars build AI literacy and practical skills through free, self-paced courses offered by Anthropic Academy. All scholars will get access to foundational courses on AI fluency and effective use of Claude. The courses include certificates and are designed to equip scholars with industry-relevant AI skills for future academic and career success.

Job-readiness initiatives scaled significantly, with 1,581 second-year engineering scholars enrolling in the aptitude training programme for improving logical reasoning and quantitative analysis skills, while 3,396 third-year scholars completed the Mock Interview sessions, both supported by MSDF.

FFE in collaboration with Avanti Fellows is launching Launchpad, a peer-led, on-campus support initiative for First Generation Learners. The program received an enthusiastic response, with 307 current first, second and third year scholars expressing interest. Based on their responses, interested scholars will receive a call from an Avanti counselor to learn more about the program and explore how Launchpad can support their growth and success.

Leadership and wellbeing programmes engaged 1,075 scholars through the "Finding the Leader in You" workshop, 2,356 scholars through structured wellness sessions, and more than 300 scholars, across three cohorts, through the Aspire Leaders Program led by Harvard University. In January 2026, Cohort 4 of the Aspire Leaders Program commenced, further strengthening scholars' development as skilled, confident and resilient professionals.

98 medical students are part of the QMED Literature Search Program, a year-long program started in December 2025. The QMed Program offers skills for online search in the medical and allied health domains. 165 medical students are part of the EAGE English Training Program to strengthen their English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills. The program combines self-paced learning with weekly trainer-led sessions, requiring approximately 40 hours of learning over 6 months.

Java Programming Essentials Webinar

17 April 2026 · Online

On 17th April, FFE conducted a technical webinar, "Java Programming Essentials," led by SAP professionals Sikta Laha (Developer Associate, SAP) and Diksha Makkar (Software Developer, SAP). The session covered Java fundamentals, OOP concepts, and career guidance for Java, DSA, and full-stack development. Nearly 200 scholars attended, and an interactive Q&A helped participants address their interview preparation queries.

Cloud Computing Webinar with SAP Labs

24 April 2026 · Online

On 24th April, FFE conducted a webinar on Cloud Computing led by SAP professionals Bitan Mukherjee (Basis DevOps Engineer, SAP Labs) and Shree Prakash Gupta (Senior DevOps Engineer, SAP Labs). The session covered cloud computing concepts, real-world system design, and career opportunities in the cloud domain. Around 200 scholars attended, and the webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session.

Cloud Computing Fundamentals Webinar with Cognizant

3 June 2026 · Online

On 3rd June, FFE conducted a "Cloud Computing Fundamentals" webinar led by Rahul Keshari, Data Engineer at Cognizant. The session covered core cloud concepts, cloud service models, AWS, and career insights in cloud computing. Over 500 scholars attended and actively participated. The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing scholars to clarify their doubts and gain deeper insights into the topic.

Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST) Communication Skill Program launched by Eage

3 May 2026 · Online

On 3rd May 2026, an orientation session for the FFE-RIST Communication Skills Program was conducted for FFE-RIST Medical scholars. More than 165 first year MBBS scholars expressed interest in the program, which is designed to strengthen English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills, helping participants build confidence for academics, careers, and everyday communication.

The program combines self-paced learning with weekly trainer-led sessions and requires a total learning commitment of approximately 40 hours over a period of 4–6 months.

Medical Webinar: "Choosing Occupational Health as a Career"

12 April 2026 · Online

On 12th April, FFE hosted a medical webinar "Choosing Occupational Health as a Career" by Dr. Rajgopal Thirumalai (MD, DPH, DIH, DNB – Health and Hospital Administration, FRCP(I), FFOM (London), FFOM (I), FIAOH, FIPHA). Dr. Rajgopal is an Adjunct Faculty at the Public Health Foundation of India, an Independent Director at HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Ltd., and a Governing Board Member of the National Safety Council (India). He shared valuable insights on occupational career growth in multinational companies, employee benefits, and mental well-being in the workplace. More than 250 Medical scholars joined the session, which concluded with an interactive Q&A.

Financial Literacy Webinar Series – Session 4

29 April 2026 · Online

On 29th April, FFE conducted the 4th session of its Financial Literacy Webinar Series, aimed at equipping scholars with essential money management skills. The session was led by Ms. Preeti Chauhan, Personal Finance Expert, who simplified key concepts and encouraged meaningful discussions. Scholars explored practical topics including income planning, smart spending, savings and investments, insurance, and debt management.

Mock Interview Testimonial — Supriya R

I am Supriya R, a B.E. Electronics and Communication Engineering student at Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus. I am grateful to FFE for the opportunity to participate in the Mock Technical and Personality Interview Program.

The program provided valuable exposure to a real interview environment and helped me better understand recruiter expectations. It improved my confidence, communication skills, and interview preparedness, while also highlighting areas for improvement in my technical and problem-solving abilities.

The feedback and practical experience have helped me feel more confident and prepared for future placement opportunities. I sincerely thank FFE for organizing such impactful initiatives and supporting students in their career development.

Finding the Leader in You — Gayatri Jadhav

My name is Gayatri Jadhav, and I am a second-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering student at Government College of Engineering, Amaravati. I recently completed the FLY (Finding the Leader in You) Program.

The program provided valuable learning in leadership, communication, teamwork, and career readiness. Through interactive sessions and mentor guidance, I improved my confidence, communication skills, and career awareness.

The experience helped me identify my strengths and motivated me to work towards my academic and professional goals. I would highly recommend the FLY Program to fellow FFE scholars, as it offers meaningful learning beyond academics.

I sincerely thank the FFE team and mentors for their support and guidance throughout this journey.

Strengthening Employment Linkages for Future-Ready Engineers

FFE is committed to making its engineering scholars job-ready by partnering with corporates for internships, training, and hiring, creating lasting opportunities, bridging India's skills gap, and building a future-ready workforce.

In 2025 and early 2026, FFE's partnerships with companies including Wabtec, NetApp, Zscaler, Thomson Reuters, 3M India, Lenovo, Akamai, 7 Procure, Data Hash, SAP, Global Logic and Amazon have enabled scholars to thrive as interns and entry-level professionals, gaining critical hands-on experience.

FFE remains committed to bridging the education-to-employment gap by expanding partnerships and co-creating impactful initiatives with its corporate partners through internship opportunities and job opportunities. We seek support from corporates to join us in creating meaningful opportunities and shaping a future-ready workforce.

Internship — Parimala Sri Sikhakolli

I am Parimala Sri Sikhakolli, an FFE scholar and a graduate of Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam. Through FFE's Employment Linkages referral, I secured an internship opportunity at 3M.

The selection process included a project discussion session, a technical interview, and an HR round, with a strong focus on SQL and data-related concepts. Since joining 3M, I have participated in leadership and knowledge transfer sessions that provided valuable insights into the company's culture, innovation, and business processes.

Currently, I am working with the Data Integration team, gaining hands-on experience on real-world data projects. The learning environment has been highly supportive and enriching. I am grateful to FFE and 3M for this valuable opportunity and the exposure it has provided.

Global Virtual Summer Research Internship 2026

The 2026 Virtual Research Internship cohort brings together 21 professors from leading institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University, Princeton University, New York University, IIT Madras, Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, USC Marshall School of Business, UBC Sauder School of Business, and the universities of Michigan, Maryland, and Oregon. FFE's Scholars will work on research projects spanning AI and Machine Learning, Systems and Networking, Data Science and Analytics, Operations and Decision Sciences, and other applied domains. Close to 420 students applied for these internships, of these, 21 were selected. The internship is a two-month virtual summer program that commenced in June 2026.

Voice of Scholars: A Future Doctor with a Heart for Service

Konica Nongmaithem is a Final Year MBBS student (Semester 9) at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur. An academically accomplished student, she secured an impressive NEET rank of 11,758 and scored 91.5% in Class 10 and 93% in Class 12.

Konica comes from a modest family background from Imphal. Her father runs a small grocery shop, while her mother is a homemaker. Despite financial challenges, she credits her parents for their support and sacrifices, which have enabled her and her siblings to pursue their education and aspirations.

Driven by a strong desire to serve others, Konica's ambition is to become a compassionate and skilled doctor. She draws inspiration from Helen Keller, whose resilience, determination, and ability to overcome adversity have left a lasting impact on her. Konica admires Helen Keller's refusal to give up despite significant challenges and considers her a role model for perseverance and strength.

Recognizing the importance of effective communication in the medical profession, Konica has proactively worked on strengthening this skill. With additional support from her donor, she successfully completed two rounds of the Hi-Touch English Training Program under FFE's Skills Training Program initiatives. Her commitment to improving her communication abilities reflects her determination to become a well-rounded doctor, as she believes that strong communication skills are essential for building trust, understanding patients' needs, and providing compassionate care. Looking ahead, Konica hopes to give back to society through her profession by providing free medical services to those in need whenever possible. She also aspires to support underprivileged students through educational assistance and donations, helping them build brighter futures.

Konica describes herself as compassionate, resilient, and eager to learn. Beyond academics, Konica enjoys reading novels, listening to music, watching television shows and movies, and expressing her creativity through writing poems and short stories. Her journey reflects determination, gratitude, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Donor Feature: Kiran Suryawanshi, Assistant Vice President, TransUnion CIBIL Limited

For over a decade, our partnership with Foundation for Excellence India Trust (FFE) has been far more than a CSR initiative — it has been a shared mission to transform lives through the power of education.

Through our scholarship program, Udaan, we have had the privilege of supporting hundreds of deserving students from economically challenged backgrounds. We supported over 7,000 scholarships till date and we have a pool of 1090+ alumni. Looking back, what fills us with the greatest sense of pride is not merely the number of scholarships awarded, but the remarkable journeys of the students whose lives have been transformed. Today, many of them are successful professionals, supporting their families, creating opportunities for their siblings, and becoming role models within their communities.

The true impact of education extends far beyond an individual beneficiary. When one student succeeds, entire families experience greater stability, dignity, and hope for the future. Over the years, we have witnessed this ripple effect firsthand through our interactions with students and alumni. Hearing their stories and seeing how far they have come remains one of the most rewarding aspects of this partnership.

FFE has been an integral partner in giving wings to the aspirations of these young minds. True to the spirit of Udaan, together we have enabled students to soar higher and achieve dreams that once seemed beyond reach. What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the passion, commitment, and student-centric approach demonstrated by FFE's team. Their willingness to adapt, innovate, and invest deeply in the success of every student has strengthened our shared vision and amplified our collective impact.

As this partnership has matured over the years, it has evolved into a relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common purpose — to ensure that talent is never constrained by financial circumstances. We remain committed to this journey and look forward to creating many more success stories together in the years ahead.

Alumnus Feature: Dr. Mamidi Durga Sai Vathsalya

Hi, I am Dr. Mamidi Durga Sai Vathsalya, a proud FFE Scholar who received financial support during my MBBS education. I come from a lower middle-class family in Visakhapatnam. My father worked as a cable operator, and my mother was a homemaker. Despite financial challenges, my parents prioritized education, and through hard work and academic excellence, I secured admission to the prestigious Andhra Medical College.

While pursuing MBBS, managing educational expenses was difficult. During my second year, I learned about FFE through a friend and reached out for support. Although the scholarship process for that year had closed, FFE carefully reviewed my background and extended financial assistance. This support eased my burden and allowed me to focus on my studies.

I went on to receive the Rudrama Raju Chinna Subba Raju Gold Medal in Obstetrics and Gynecology during MBBS. Later, I secured a good rank in NEET-PG and completed my postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Driven by my passion for cancer care, I appeared for NEET-SS, secured All India Rank 7, and joined the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, for super-specialty training in Gynecological Oncology. I am currently pursuing the final year of my MCh in Gynecological Oncology.

Throughout this journey, I have always remembered my commitment to give back. While still a student, I have contributed to FFE whenever possible and look forward to supporting many more deserving students in the future. I am deeply grateful to FFE for believing in me and helping me achieve my dreams. FFE was truly one of the foundations of my excellence.

Facilitator Feature: Mr. Santosh Nalwade — A Decade of Dedication

Introduced to FFE in 2009 through social work in Pune, Mr. Santosh Nalawade joined as a Facilitator in 2014 at the encouragement of Dr. Appa Madiwale (from US). Over 12 years, he has remained a steadfast champion for deserving students.

Identifying meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families, guiding them through the application process, and mentoring them through their academic journey, his role goes far beyond administrative work.

He says "FFE is not just providing financial assistance; it is creating opportunities, building confidence, and shaping future leaders."

In his experience, one scholar stands out; a young girl on the verge of dropping out, raised by a single mother battling serious illness. Through FFE support and his consistent mentoring, she completed her MBBS and a postgraduate degree, secured employment, and transformed her family's future, a testament to what a Facilitator's and FFE's belief can do.

Beyond FFE: Mr. Nalawade, currently based in Pune, is a senior professional with 22+ years across Infosys, Oracle and Volante Technologies. He balances a demanding career with over 20 years of community service. Besides FFE, he is an active volunteer at a Not for Profit organisation called Friends of Children (FoC), Pune, which also functions in the education space.

His family includes his wife and 2 children; while his elder son is pursuing Engineering in Pune Institute of Computer Technology, Pune, his daughter is in 12th grade.

"I am confident FFE will continue to expand its impact and empower thousands of deserving students to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to society," said Mr. Nalawade with passion and enthusiasm.