Dharamshala: The Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in collaboration with the Tibetan Scientific Society (TSS), has successfully concluded the Tsen-rig Inspire Program for Schools (TIPS) across 14 Tibetan schools in India. This joint initiative marks a significant milestone in expanding access to high-quality STEM inspiration for Tibetan students.
TIPS is a targeted STEM outreach program designed to inspire students in Classes IX–X and XI–XII (science stream) to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It responds to the persistent underrepresentation of Tibetans in STEM fields—a challenge rooted in weak foundational learning in mathematics and science, perceptions, and limited awareness of diverse career pathways. By providing early exposure, relatable role models, and interactive learning experiences, TIPS aims to foster positive attitudes toward science, motivate students to continue in STEM streams, and broaden their understanding of opportunities in engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and related fields.
The 2026 edition of TIPS was jointly organised by the Department of Education, CTA and Tibetan Scientific Society, Dharamsala, building on the program’s pilot launch in 2022 at TCV School, Bylakuppe—the first informal STEM education initiative of its kind in the Tibetan community. This year’s rollout began on 26 June 2026 at STS Bylakuppe and STS CVP Bylakuppe, and subsequently covered: TCV Bylakuppe, STS Gurupura, STS Kollegal, STS Kalimpong, STS Darjeeling, STS Mundgod, TCV Chauntra, TCV Suja, TCV Gopalpur, THS Rajpur, THS Mussoorie and STS Mussoorie
Across these 14 schools, 1227 students and 92 STEM educators and School Counselors participated in the program. Each school session combined multiple interactive formats to maximize engagement and learning: Student-focused sessions including presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A with resource persons. Activity-based learning segments to make scientific concepts tangible and relatable. A “Lunch and Learn” session for STEM educators, enabling teachers to interact directly with resource persons and discuss classroom integration of inspiring STEM practices.
The programme brought together a diverse pool of resource persons. Following the Department of Education’s official announcement through official website and Tibet TV issued on 14 April 2026, 11 young Tibetan scientists, university professors, IT professionals and other STEM practitioners participated in the initiative. They shared their educational journeys, research and professional experiences, and practical guidance on pursuing STEM pathways, providing students with relatable role models from within and beyond the Tibetan community.
Through the collaboration between the Department of Education, CTA and Tibetan Scientific Society, TIPS 2026 exceeded initial expectations in both reach and student engagement. Feedback highlighted strong enthusiasm and inspiration among participating students, reflecting the program’s potential to shift aspirations and strengthen the pipeline of Tibetan youth into science and innovation. By institutionalizing TIPS under the DoE–TSS partnership, the initiative is now better positioned to scale further, ensuring that Tibetan students across India can access sustained, high-quality STEM inspiration as part of their school experience. This program is supported by the U.S. government through the Tibet Fund.
