Communities Rising

Communities Rising is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports village based education in rural India.

Communities Rising provides out of school programs in the underserved rural villages of the Villupuram District, of Tamil Nadu, India. Our program includes English, literacy, math, computer education, art, music and life skills. We focus on providing quality educational opportunities for India’s marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits females, disabled and gypsies. We also conduct teacher-training programs, literacy programs, and summer camps.

Communities Rising is the largest provider of computer education classes in the district. We have 3 permanent centers and are currently building our 4th center. We provide in school education programs for both private and government schools and in our after school programs. Scoot Tech is our pilot mobile computer education program in which our teachers bring laptops to remote villages by scooter.

We introduced Lego robotics to our students three years ago and in Jan. 2014 will enter our first teams in the First Lego League Robotics Competition in Chennai. Our teams are sponsored by the India Stem Foundation.

Our volunteer/internship program is a critical part of our overall educational program. We provide opportunities for high schools, colleges and businesses to participate in short 2-week volunteer experiences and we also provide 2-6 month internship opporunities. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome. During the past 4 years, over 200 interns and volunteers have worked with our program.