Leaders and advocates of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) take learning beyond just the academics offered in the classroom. Through TryEngineering, IEEE Volunteers are able to make STEM outreach projects a reality that reach school-aged children around the world. TryEngineering empowers educators and supports volunteers by providing STEM resources, including peer-reviewed lesson plans, at no cost. The IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program offers the opportunity for financial support to start, sustain, or scale selected STEM outreach projects in local communities. In 2025, 58 programs were selected as STEM grant recipients.
One of these programs was Project CHETNA, a community outreach initiative in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, designed to promote digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and practical STEM learning. The program aimed to address gaps in digital education by supporting learners at different stages of life who regularly interact with technology, but lack formal opportunities to build digital confidence and security awareness. Through a set of connected initiatives, Project CHETNA equipped participants with practical tools to use technology more safely and confidently, while also sparking interest in technology and emerging fields, such as cybersecurity.
Delivered through three targeted programs, Project CHETNA blended expert guidance with hands-on, activity based learning. Senior citizens participated in digital literacy and cybersecurity sessions that introduced safe smartphone use, common online applications, and techniques for identifying scams and misinformation. High school students took part in interactive cybersecurity workshops that explored real world digital threats, online safety, and ethical online behavior through discussion and practical examples. Younger learners engaged in STEM focused sessions combining introductory cybersecurity concepts with hands-on Arduino programming and basic circuit design. Across all activities, the program emphasized practice, interaction, and confidence building. In total, 288 individuals benefited from Project CHETNA!
After the program, TryEngineering was able to conduct an interview with the program’s leaders:
What inspired you to create your program and get involved with STEM outreach at the pre-university level?
The Project CHETNA initiative grew out of the need for a structured framework for digital education. The intended audience included students and marginalized community groups who regularly use computers and the internet but have not had access to basic cybersecurity training, safe online practices, or foundational STEM concepts. Many individuals in this group are in a key transitional phase of their lives, with technology deeply integrated into their education, communication, and daily activities. Through this initiative, Project CHETNA aimed to help participants build self awareness and confidence as they prepare for the future. All aspects of Project CHETNA were developed with this goal in mind.
How did you measure the program’s impact?
The overwhelmingly positive response from participants, the increase in confidence observed, and the continued interest in attending future workshops indicate that Project CHETNA successfully met its goals of empowering the community with digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and foundational exposure to STEM education. After completing the program, students reported improvements in their ability to use computers effectively, apply safe online practices, and independently research digital tools.
In addition, 95% of participants who completed the post‑course evaluation survey reported that they could now identify phishing attempts and secure their online accounts as a result of the training. Among those who attended the Arduino workshop, 98% reported no prior experience with programming or circuits, while 89% expressed interest in attending an advanced workshop. Furthermore, 91% of senior participants reported increased confidence in using mobile phones, making UPI payments, and identifying online scams following the training. Many participants shared positive feedback. One student stated, “I understand how a hacker thinks, and this helps me stay secure.”
One senior participant shared that she felt less anxious about making online purchases after completing the CHETNA course. Overall, Project CHETNA reached more than 285 individuals, increased awareness of digital safety, and encouraged continued interest and engagement in STEM learning.
Project CHETNA was a recipient of the 2025 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program, and funded by the IEEE Computer Society.