Sewa International Launches ASPIRE STEM Program in Lowell, Expanding Hands-On Learning for Public School Students
LOWELL, Mass. — Sewa International USA, in partnership with Project LEARN and Lowell Public Schools, has launched the ASPIRE STEM Enrichment Program, a new after-school initiative designed to bring hands-on science, engineering, and problem-solving experiences to middle and high school students in Lowell, MA.
The program currently serves 67 students across multiple school sites and has continued to grow since its launch, driven largely by student referrals and sustained engagement. Sessions are held twice weekly and focus on applied learning activities, including engineering challenges, scientific experiments, and collaborative projects intended to strengthen critical thinking skills.
“ASPIRE has been really unpredictable,” said Phillip Keo. “When I joined, I expected it to be all schoolwork. But we get to have fun while learning.”
Organizers said the initiative is supported by a philanthropic gift from an anonymous donor focused on expanding equitable access to STEM education.
“The donor values programs that challenge students intellectually while supporting their growth beyond the classroom,” said Kate Toth, who represents the donor. “They are proud to support an initiative that will create meaningful opportunities for young people in Lowell.”
Program leaders said transportation support and participation incentives have helped remove barriers to attendance and ensure consistent student engagement.
“The donor’s investment in stipends and transportation removes barriers and ensures that all students can access these transformative STEM experiences,” said Sneha V. Patel.
Kumar Subramanian said the program is designed as a “launchpad” for students to explore STEM pathways beyond the classroom.
The initiative was developed and structured by Radhika Sathe, who said the goal was to build a scalable and student-centered model of experiential learning.
A public showcase event highlighting student projects and program outcomes is planned for June 2026.
