Scholarship Program

Our Scholarship Program goes beyond literacy and encourages excellence.

In India, many kids never get a chance to apply their intelligence and move up.

The 4th and 5th grade examination is a major milestone for elementary school kids in most states. It’s the first time most of them receive a formal academic evaluation. Unfortunately many capable children in India still struggle with elementary reading and arithmetic at that age. Consequently, they fail.

Our scholarship program helps elementary school kids get to the next level.

Pratham recognizes the importance of the 4th and 5th grade examination. If you’ve never heard of this seminal test, the government of Maharashtra conducts a centralized merit exam for children in 4th and 7th grade which tests their aptitude in language, math and analytical skills. This exam has been made mandatory for all 4th and 7th grade students since 2005.

Pratham’s pilot program is producing results.

Pratham piloted the scholarship preparation program in Mumbai in 2007. Classes were held in 25 schools and 54 slum communities. The results were astounding: Pratham-coached kids were 21% more likely to pass than students from the municipal school that didn’t receive our coaching.

Many cities and schools are adopting our successful model.

Having witnessed the results, over 250 schools in Mumbai invited Pratham to help coach their children for the following year's examination. The program is also running in several cities of Maharashtra and in Delhi.

Pratham’s goal is for 60% of children to pass this test and move up.

Because of the exam’s impact on overall learning levels, Pratham is committed to ensuring that 4th and 5th graders have the skills required to pass the exam. To achieve this, we’ve set ambitious goals that focus on both academic knowledge and the development of logical reasoning.

Help give kids a fair shot at the test that could change everything for them. Give generously.