STARS Support
STARS-SUPPORT THE ADVANCEMENT OF RURAL STUDENTS
A Child should never be deprived of quality education owing to poverty. This forceful thought in my mind became the seed that gave birth to the innovative STARS Scheme
Philanthropy makes a big difference to people’s lives. On these lines, Our beloved chancellor Dr.G.Viswanathan has taken several community development initiatives for the betterment of the society, and STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students Scheme) is one such philanthropic activity started in the year 2008. It aims at enhancing the rural students’ quality of life.
Since 2008 rural students of Tamil Nadu have been admitted through STARS scheme. Each student’s story is an inspiring story of change. Daily wage labourers and domestic helpers find it difficult to educate their children due to their unstable income and difficult living conditions. Their children who are academically brilliant, continue to live their lives in poverty like their families or settle down to basic jobs which satisfies neither their basic needs nor their intellectual hunger. While many people in our society ignore these hard facts and go ahead with their lives, VIT Management Stands tall as it takes these children in its fold through the STARS scheme. Financially disadvantaged children don’t have to stop dreaming of becoming an Engineer. VIT STARS Scheme helps these students from under-privileged background to achieve what they deserve by awarding them 100% fee waiver for their academic and hostel facilities including basic medical expenses.
In 2021, the scheme was extended to Chennai Campus incorporating three revenue districts of Chennai. From the academic year 2023-24, the scheme encompasses students from neighbouring districts like Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur in addition to three revenue districts of Chennai admitting 12 students per academic year.One girl and one boy student from each district, educated through Rural Government Schools(excluding Chennai) will be entitled to avail the scheme benefits. The selected Students (STARS) are given admission to a B. Tech course in VIT with 100 percent Scholarship covering free accommodation&food/transportation, healthcare and other academic facilities.
VIT stands proud in giving high-quality education to the rural students of Tamil Nadu and provide the doorway for a good career, better social status and most importantly, fine tune them to be responsible citizens.
Support and Facilities for STARS:
- Skill Training Sessions: STARS receive skill training sessions covering English Language Proficiency, Computer literacy, special classes on Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Personality development. These sessions enhance their academic and personal development.
- Counselling Sessions: Counselling sessions are provided to STARS to offer guidance, support, and address any challenges they may face during their academic journey.
- Internship and Campus Recruitment: Facilitation for internships and campus recruitment opportunities is extended to STARS, ensuring they have access to practical experience and job prospects.
- Hostel Accommodation: Hostel rooms are provided to STARS, ensuring a comfortable and conducive living environment during their academic tenure.
- Dining Facilities: STARS benefit from a clean mess facility that offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, catering to their dietary preferences.
- Academic Logistics: Academic logistics, including access to study materials and resources, are carefully managed to support their educational needs.
- Comprehensive Library Facility: STARS have access to a comprehensive library facility, which enhances their academic research and studies.
- Placement Training: STARS receive placement training sessions and have access to certified program sessions to prepare them for future career opportunities.
- Industry Exposure: Industry exposure is provided to STARS through various programs and sessions, equipping them with real-world knowledge and experience.
- Alumni Support: Knowledge sharing sessions by alumni provide valuable insights into the professional world, helping STARS develop appropriate behavior and etiquette for future success.
- Club and Chapter Membership: STARS are encouraged to become members of clubs and chapters, allowing them to engage in extracurricular activities and expand their horizons.
- Alumni Interaction: STARS Alumni Meets are organized to encourage and enhance the on-campus STARS community, providing a support network for current and former beneficiaries.
A dedicated STARS Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the holistic development of the students, ensuring their academic, personal, and professional needs are met.The STARS scheme not only provides financial support but also creates a nurturing and enriching environment where students can thrive and prepare for successful futures.
| Academic Year | No. of Boys | No. of Girls | Total | No. of First Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 – 22 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| 2022 – 23 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| 2023 – 24 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 7 |
| 2024 – 25 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
| 2025 – 26 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 6 |
| 2026 – 27 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
| Total | 28 | 27 | 55 | 30 |
STARS-Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the STARS scheme, students must have taken Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as their subjects during their higher secondary education.
- This opportunity is limited to one student per family. Only one student per family can benefit from the STARS scheme.
- The annual income of the student’s family should be below Rs 1,50,000/- to qualify for the scheme. This criterion ensures that the scheme supports economically disadvantaged students.
- The STARS scheme identifies and shortlists the top ten boys and girls from Rural Government schools and Corporation/Government schools in the Chennai revenue districts. This selection is based on academic merit and achievements.
- Among the identified district toppers, candidates will be called for an interview. The interview process is based on the marks secured in their Higher Secondary examination.
- The final admission to the STARS scheme is at the discretion of the VIT Management. After careful evaluation and assessment of the candidates, one male and one female student from each district will be admitted to the scheme.
The STARS scheme stands as a testament to VIT’s commitment to providing opportunities for deserving students based on merit and financial need. It is a transformative initiative that aims to empower talented individuals to pursue their dreams and achieve academic excellence.
Salient Features
- Skill Training Sessions: STARS receive skill training sessions covering English Language Proficiency, Computer literacy, special classes on Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Personality development. These sessions enhance their academic and personal development.
- Counselling Sessions: Counselling sessions are provided to STARS to offer guidance, support, and address any challenges they may face during their academic journey.
- Internship and Campus Recruitment: Facilitation for internships and campus recruitment opportunities is extended to STARS, ensuring they have access to practical experience and job prospects.
- Hostel Accommodation: Hostel rooms are provided to STARS, ensuring a comfortable and conducive living environment during their academic tenure.
- Dining Facilities: STARS benefit from a clean mess facility that offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, catering to their dietary preferences.
- Academic Logistics: Academic logistics, including access to study materials and resources, are carefully managed to support their educational needs.
- Comprehensive Library Facility: STARS have access to a comprehensive library facility, which enhances their academic research and studies.
- Placement Training: STARS receive placement training sessions and have access to certified program sessions to prepare them for future career opportunities.
- Industry Exposure: Industry exposure is provided to STARS through various programs and sessions, equipping them with real-world knowledge and experience.
- Alumni Support: Knowledge sharing sessions by alumni provide valuable insights into the professional world, helping STARS develop appropriate behavior and etiquette for future success.
- Club and Chapter Membership: STARS are encouraged to become members of clubs and chapters, allowing them to engage in extracurricular activities and expand their horizons.
- Alumni Interaction: STARS Alumni Meets are organized to encourage and enhance the on-campus STARS community, providing a support network for current and former beneficiaries.
List of companies STARS placed
Star Performer
STARS Coordinator
- Dr. Kanimozhi G, STARS Coordinator,
- Professor,
- starscoordinator.cc@vit.ac.in
- 044-3993 1036
