Kritika Kumari, SSF Alumna and an IIT Delhi graduate, is currently working in the Strategy department of a global MNC
At Shooting Stars Foundation (SSF), we believe that talent is everywhere — but opportunity is not. Our mission is to bridge this gap by unlocking access to transformative STEM education for youth from underserved communities in India and the United States. Whether it’s a girl in rural India dreaming of becoming an engineer, or a high schooler in the U.S. exploring AI for the first time — we create pathways where there were none.
Most rural and tribal youth never progress to higher education due to poverty, under-resourced schools, early marriage, and unsafe infrastructure.
Students from poor or remote backgrounds rarely see college as attainable—missing the benefits of STEM-based professions.
Black and Hispanic students are significantly
underrepresented in STEM fields.
Skilled Hispanic and Black youths often have the potential but lack
support—be it mentorship, role models, or safe learning environments.
Our mission
To break the cycle of generational poverty by empowering under-resourced youth with access to quality STEM education and mentorship — unlocking pathways to meaningful careers and lifelong impact.
Our vision
To create a world where every young person - regardless of background - has the opportunity to pursue their full potential through education, innovation, and empowerment.
Provide need-based STEM scholarships to deserving students in underserved communities in India.
Goal: 2000 STEM college scholarships by 2027
Focus: Girls and first-gen students in underserved communities in India
Progress: 1506 STEM scholars supported till 2025
Engaging STEM experiences through hackathons, bootcamps, and innovation challenges across India and the U.S. - to spark interest, build confidence, and inspire youth to pursue STEM careers.
Goal: 1,00,000 students across 200+ STEM events by 2027
Focus: Hackathons, bootcamps, and innovation challenges in India & U.S.
Progress: 50,000 STEM scholars reached till 2025
Collaborate with socially responsible organizations to scale impact through volunteering, funding, and co-hosted programs.
Goal: 50 company partners, 500+ volunteers by 2027
Focus: Volunteering, funding, and co-hosted programs
Progress: 35 corporate partners, 375 volunteers till 2025
When I was a 7th grader, bored over the spring break holidays, my mom insisted that I help my younger brother with his state tests – I came up with sample questions and gave him a refresher just before the exams. After seeing how I helped my brother, I received interest from a few family friends. They began to send their kids and said they would even pay for it!
After a couple of years, I was introduced to Akhil Ganti who in turn introduced us to a larger local community that helped us launch our non profit – Shooting Stars Foundation. The programs we offer to elementary school students locally started with common core curriculum and public speaking. It has now expanded to a variety of unique STEM enrichment programs. With the funds raised we sponsor college education in underdeveloped countries.
