Programs – Kuma Foundation

Our Programs

At the KUMA Foundation, we are committed to narrowing the achievement gap by empowering kids with the tools they’ll need to succeed in the 21st century. We offer programs for underprivileged and underserved kids in elementary school, middle school, high school, and beyond, because all kids deserve the chance at a high tech future. Our programs include free STEAM clubs for 4-8th graders, free Career Exploration programs that introduce middle schoolers to a wide variety of STEAM careers, Summer Internships in STEAM-related companies for high school Juniors and Seniors, STEAM scholarship opportunities for high school Seniors, a Mentorship Program for young adults, and free Technology Safety training to teach vulnerable populations how to use technology safely and effectively.

Check Our Our Program Guide

Kuma Labs: Bringing Computer Literacy to Students in Pune, India

The digital divide is perpetuating inequalities that already divide countries and communities, and young people from the poorest households in rural and lower income regions often fall behind their peers, being left with very little opportunity to catch up. Students cannot develop necessary technical abilities unless they have access to the internet, and digital literacy requires special attention in schools and colleges. Lack of connectivity doesn’t just limit young people’s ability to connect online – it prevents them from competing in the modern economy, it isolates them from the world, and it causes them to lose out on education. In partnership with Rainbow Boosters and Pandit Abaji Panshikar Foundation, Kuma Foundation has created the first Kuma Lab at a rural school in Pune, India – featuring a fully functioning computer lab, a computer teacher and digital literacy curriculum – to bridge the digital divide and get 187 boys and girls from all grade levels online.

Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Program

We believe that all kids deserve a high-tech future, but low-income students lack access to STEAM exposure, education, and enrichment, severely limiting their ability to compete in a 21st century workforce. In fact, the science and mathematics achievement gaps along socioeconomic lines have widened substantially in the last 20 years. But we can narrow that gap. Evidence shows that participation in STEAM-focused programs leads to significant, positive changes in students’ attitudes and outcomes. That’s why we offer free STEAM Clubs to low-income and underrepresented students.

Middle School Career Exploration Program

At the Kuma Foundation, we believe that if kids can see it, they can dream it, and if they can dream it, they can achieve it. That’s why our Career Exploration Program introduces low-income and underrepresented students to a wide variety of STEAM careers. Our program exposes students to the work-world they will one day enter, broadens their knowledge of career options, and motivates them to pursue the skills they need for their future.

High School Summer Internship/ Apprenticeship Program

The Kuma Foundation coordinates part-time Summer internships and apprenticeships for high school Juniors and Seniors who show an interest and aptitude in STEAM subjects with companies and professionals in the STEAM space. We pair students with internships and apprenticeships based on the interests of the intern and the needs of the sponsoring company.

High School Mentorship Program

We believe in the power of relationships to transform lives. Our Mentorship Program offers bi-weekly 1:1 mentoring for high school students. Trained mentors spend 1 hour (virtually or otherwise) every other week, for 3 months (minimum) to inspire, support and motivate their mentee, as well as raise their aspirations and encourage them to achieve their career goals.

Kuma STEAM Scholarship

The Kuma Foundation offers a $5000 scholarship to a high-school senior who submits a video of himself/ herself explaining a STEAM topic he/she is passionate about. Videos should be 3-5 minutes in length, clear, creative, accurate and demonstrate a passion for the subject. An advisory board made up of diverse STEAM professionals reviews applications and selects finalists. Finalists are then asked to submit additional materials. The winner will be announced in April. Watch this page for application information.

Technology Safety Program

The Kuma Foundation, in partnership with Kuma LLC, offers online security/ data privacy trainings for vulnerable populations, including 4-8th graders, high schoolers, and immigrants & refugees. Trainings teach participants how to use technology safely and effectively.

Creating Safe Learning Environments

The Kuma Foundation knows that hungry, homeless, cold kids can’t learn. That’s why we have special programs to support to families in need on an ad-hoc basis. Watch this page for application updates.