THE RAMPUR PROJECT
The Rampur Project is a collective effort of StepUP to raise awareness of and improve the dismal educational state of Muslims in Rampur, UP., India. According to (Ministry of Education, GOI), one fourth of Muslim children in the age group of 6-14 years have either never attended school or are dropouts. Only 50% of Muslims who complete middle schools are likely to complete secondary education, compared to 62% at the national level.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in Rampur face barriers to college access and success. Low income students often lack the guidance and support they need to prepare for college, apply to schools, enroll and persist in their studies, and ultimately graduate. As a result, large gaps remain in educational achievement between students from low-income families and their high-income peers.
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“As I moved up grades in school, educational inequity that stood out in my early years became visibly apparent. I was the minority in terms of religion among my classmates in New Jersey. This realization was further pronounced during my trip to India (Muslims have been the most educationally backward group in India). I created “The Rampur Project,” a part of StepUP, to fill the large educational gap in Rampur, India. I recognize this is a very small program, but every step is a promise towards improving this inequality.”
Rayan Syed | Co- founder, StepUP
Providing opportunities and resources | Teaching Necessary Skills
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StepUP, in partnership with local educators, identifies and selects students who demonstrate passion to learn and grow. We run a free 30-60 minute consultation for select grade 8-10 students from Rampur school districts. The scholars selected attend free one-on-one sessions with a trained and approved StepUP volunteer. Students get assistance with homework, college test preparation workshops and applications. The program aims to increase the number of highly qualified low-income students who enroll in and attend college.
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Increasing access to technology
StepUP relies on the generous donations and partnerships to increase access to technology. The aim is to deliver access to devices and/or network allowing students to access the internet outside of a school setting, and are therefore unable to maintain the same level of academic progress and advancement as their peers.
