On September 25, 2014, the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai announced the launch of "The Kickst’art Challenge: Empowering Students with Leadership Lessons," a six-month mentoring initiative designed to empower young Indian college students.
Ms. Ariel H. Pollock, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, stated that “this exciting program will forge a long-term relationship with U.S. exchange alumni, providing them with tools to engage their local communities in support of mutual goals.” The project is supported by the Alumni Affairs office of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.
The initiative will commence with a two-day leadership skills-building workshop led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs and experts for college students in Chennai. This workshop will incorporate music, art, theater, and movement as instructional methods and will result in forming mentor-mentee teams focused on goal-centric activities.
Alumni mentors will guide their student teams over a six-month period from September 2014 through February 2015, engaging them in skills enhancement activities necessary for completing individual projects successfully.
In February 2015, mentored student teams are set to present their projects at a public event hosted by the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai and receive graduation certificates.
Participation in this mentoring program is offered free of charge.
Educational institutions in Chennai are encouraged to nominate up to ten eligible students based on need and merit for participation in the program. Students must commit to completing the six-month mentoring program and its related activities to graduate successfully.
For further information, interested parties can contact 098410-47478 or email chennaialumni@state.gov.