HerAccess Initiative

Project Overview

Our project, the HerAccess Initiative, allows Project RISHI members to actively promote digital access, women's empowerment, and equitable educational opportunities. This year, we are partnering with the Suvidha International Foundation (SIF) to support our global community partner, the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Telangana Backward Classes Welfare Residential Degree College for Women (MJPTBCWRDCW). To better understand the community’s needs, Project RISHI members conducted a Needs Assessment Survey through Zoom interviews with students and faculty, which revealed a critical need for new computers and professional development resources to support students in preparing for their future careers.

Through the HerAccess Initiative, Project RISHI members will deliver financial support, educational materials, and professional development workshops addressing digital literacy, interview preparation, conversational English, and resume-writing. This initiative encourages our members to lead with cultural competency and thoughtfully communicate and respond to the needs identified by students and faculty at MJPTBCWRDCW. Ultimately, the HerAccess Initiative allows our members to practice leadership as service by empowering first-generation female college students to pursue future careers with greater confidence and independence, while bridging digital and educational gaps for long-term, sustainable development.

Digital Literacy

Project RISHI is planning on funding the purchase and distribution of new computer systems to expand access to digital learning resources for MJPTBCWRDCW students and working with general members to develop a new curriculum emphasizing digital literacy, Google Apps, and Microsoft suite.

Mock Interviews

Project RISHI is working with general members to develop an interview workshop program, where Project RISHI members will give mock interviews via Zoom to students at MJPTBCWRDCW, with Project RISHI board members and/or faculty members of MJPTBCWRDCW in attendance in the call, in order to provide practice for job interviews and assist in the further development of interview skills of the students. This includes researching best interview practices and important questions to ask in interviews, particularly for technology and administrative jobs in India, and coach general members on how to best ask these questions whilst maintaining cultural sensitivity.

Resume Workshops

Project RISHI will develop some templates of successful resumes and share with students at MJPTBCWRDCW and collect their resume drafts.We will then work with general Project RISHI members to review resumes sent by students and provide feedback. This will be followed by office hours held by zoom for questions along with help fine-tuning resumes.

PenPal Program

We will work with general Project RISHI members to have email conversations with individual students at MJPTBCWRDCW, asking general questions related to school, hobbies, friends, etc., so that students at MJPTBCWRDCW can practice their written English skills. This will include having one-on-one calls with these students, in a more casual manner than students would have in a job interview. RISHI members will lead the calls and ask questions relating to the hobbies or interests of the students at MJPTBCWRDCW.