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Many girls in India continue to drop out after secondary school due to financial constraints, early marriage, limited exposure, and lack of role models. While access to education has improved, completing higher education and transitioning into meaningful careers remains a challenge for adolescent girls from resource-poor backgrounds.

The Udaan Fellowship Program is ChildFund India’s response to these barriers. Launched in 2014 and now implemented across 14 states, the program supports adolescent girls and young women to pursue and complete higher education while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term economic independence and leadership.

Girls’ Education and Career Pathways

How girls are supported

Financial support for continued education

Financial support for continued education

Fellows receive annual scholarships covering tuition fees, books, and learning materials, ensuring financial constraints do not interrupt their education

Building skills for life and work

Building skills for life and work

Regular capacity-building workshops focus on life skills, leadership, digital literacy, and 21st-century competencies. Participation in these workshops is essential for fellows to continue in the program.

Mentorship and career guidance

Mentorship and career guidance

Girls are connected with mentors and professionals who provide guidance, exposure, and realistic career pathways aligned with their aspirations.

Strengthening employability

Strengthening employability

Training in communication, problem-solving, and workplace readiness, along with exposure visits, helps fellows prepare for higher education transitions and future employment.

Engaging families and communities

Engaging families and communities

The program works with parents and communities to delay early marriage, shift social norms, and create environments that actively support girls’ education.

What change looks like

1,100+ girls supported across 12 states

90% retention rate, with most fellows continuing their academic journeys

80% increase in career awareness and aspirations among participants

Significant gains in self-awareness and decision-making, including improved backup career planning

200+ skill-building workshops delivered annually, strengthening confidence and employability

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