Innovation Takes Flight: Vibha inaugurates a state-of-the-art STEM Lab at ICS School in Decatur.
[Left] Raj Vuchatu, executive director of Vibha Atlanta and lead of this project, speaking about the impact of the STEM lab for ICS, as Ashwini Kumar, CEO of Vibha (L), Diamond Jafferies Principal ICS (center), and Sandra Lira-Santiago STEM teacher at ICS (R) watch.
On January 17, Vibha, a global nonprofit committed to changing children’s lives through education, inaugurated a state-of-the-art STEM Lab classroom at the International Community School (ICS) in Decatur, Georgia. The event marks a significant chapter in the successful collaboration between Vibha and ICS to support local projects that benefit education of children in underserved communities. This milestone event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth; Vibha’s CEO, Ashwini Kumar; and ICS Principal, Diamond Jefferies. They were joined by Vibha’s Atlanta team, students, teachers, and community members in celebrating this transformative initiative.
[Right] Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Professor at Emory University and Vibha Advisory Board member and Diamond Jafferies, Principal ICS are cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the STEM lab.
With Vibha’s support, the new STEM classroom is equipped with 3D printers and drones to encourage innovative design and exploration; robotics kits to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and lab safety equipment to foster a secure and hands-on learning environment.
ICS, a public charter school serving grades K-5, is a vibrant learning community with over 500 students from 66 nationalities who speak 33 languages. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and high economic needs—70 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch—ICS remains steadfast in its mission to provide a nurturing and academically rigorous environment.
For the past seven years, Vibha has been a vital partner in ICS’s journey, positively impacting over 2,500 children. The launch of the STEM classroom is the latest initiative to empower students, furthering Vibha’s mission of enabling every child to reach their full potential. “Education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty,” said Kumar. “This STEM classroom is a space where innovation meets opportunity, unlocking doors to a brighter future for these young minds.”
This initiative is further strengthened by the invaluable partnership of Georgia Tech Research Institute and the Georgia Tech Vibha student club, who have contributed their expertise to build an impactful and sustainable STEM program.
Students of ICS participating in the STEM evening, where Georgia Tech Vibha club volunteers are helping students get hands-on experience with science experiments.
“This initiative will have a lasting positive impact on ICS students for years to come. It will also provide a platform for Vibha Youth and adult volunteers to give back to the community by engaging in a variety of educational and development activities at ICS,” says Raj Vuchatu, Executive Director of Vibha Atlanta and lead for this initiative.
“This lab is more than just a classroom—it’s a gateway to creativity, discovery, and real-world problem- solving,” remarked Principal Diamond Jefferies at ICS. “It will inspire our students to think big and dream bigger.”
Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth delivered a keynote speech on the transformative role of education in shaping societies, while Vibha’s Atlanta team and ICS leadership shared their gratitude for the community’s unwavering support. “This is a moment of hope and progress, a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause,” said Dr. Sheth.
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