Applied Materials, American India foundation inaugurate 122nd Digital Equalizer Center

BANGALORE, INDIA: Applied Materials, in association with the American India Foundation (AIF), inaugurated their 122nd Digital Equalizer (DE) Center at Govt. Higher Primary School, Muthsandra, near Varthur, Bangalore.

AIF’s Digital Equalizer Program is a Technology Enabled Learning Program that prepares hundreds of thousands of children to compete in the digital economy. With this specific launch, Applied Materials has contributed computer and internet connectivity infrastructure for the training and development of seven teachers and 156 students studying in this school.

"Digital Equalizer is one of AIF’s flagship programs, which provides opportunity for underprivileged children to enhance their learning through the use of digital technology. Students learn through a series of projects using Project based learning methodology which are aligned with the National Curriculum Framework. AIF has already set up DE centers in 2100 schools across 13 states of India since 2001.” said J. Sundarakrishnan, director of DE Program.

AIF's partnership with Applied Materials has been wonderfully enriching since it has given us opportunities to innovate and experiment new ideas and technologies like solar powered DE center, N-Computing models, Bala Mela, new project-based learning methodologies, water filters, etc. Additionally, the energetic participation of AMAT employees to volunteer with the DE centers is an icing on the cake! We're delighted that AMAT continues the trend by launching the new DE center in Govt Higher Primary School, Muthsandra in Bangalore” he added.

The one of a kind DE Program is focused on building self–sufficient centers, by supporting government schools and teachers over a period of 3 years, after which they will be able to educate students independently. These DE centers have been installed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Mumbai. The program is specially crafted for children in grades 6 and above. It is tightly integrated with school curriculum thereby improving subject matter expertise through the use of technology.

Dr. Madhusudan Atre, president and MD, Applied Materials India said: “Applied Materials is committed to investing in meaningful social causes in every community it operates in. Entering the sixth year of Applied India's partnership with AIF we are extremely proud to be a part of the Digital Equalizer program which is aimed at bridging the digital gap for students in government schools across India. “The program successfully boosts the potential of these students and provides them with a platform to explore the growth that technology can bring in their day to day lives. We will continue our commitment towards the DE program in the future.

The first Applied Materials Digital Equalizer Center was launched in 2005; since then they have successfully implemented DE centers in over 122 government schools, enriching the lives of over 60,000 students and training 131 teachers. India is home to some of the brightest minds. However, bridging the digital gap will bring the underprivileged and the rest of the world on the same page providing opportunities of growth and development to all.