Background

In a developing country like India, which still struggles with many socioeconomic and cultural challenges of inclusion and equality, education can become a powerful foundation for social transformation and empowerment, helping break intergenerational cycles of poverty. As we move forward in the post-pandemic digital era, technological advancements and scientific innovations are increasingly common—with incredible research across disciplines, everything from generative AI to synthetic biology, materials science to quantum physics. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) has become an important impetus of development, and it can play an equally crucial role in achieving social equity. 

What we need today is not theory or textbooks—rote memorization won’t help us solve thorny global challenges. We need the next generation to embody the principles of critical and creative thinking, logical reasoning, systematic problem solving, and the spirit of scientific inquiry. However, in many parts of India, access to quality education remains a persistent challenge. Despite strides in educational reform and outreach efforts, underserved communities still face obstacles while trying to achieve scientific excellence, largely due to lack of resources and mentorship. There is a particularly glaring gap when it comes to application-based learning: the absence of a dedicated space for students to discover how scientific concepts play out in the real world and develop an enthusiasm for STEM at a young age. 

Project Street Science was founded with the commitment to make a difference in this arena by creating opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to explore the natural sciences with a hands-on, interactive mode of learning.