Shepal Bhansali, Academic Operations Manager, Anant National University, Ahmedabad

Gone are the days when summer vacations meant purely leisure and family time for students in India. Today, these months have transformed into vibrant opportunities for young minds to explore, create and grow. As India’s educational landscape evolves, summer programmes have emerged as powerful catalysts for holistic development, offering school students unique pathways to discover their passions and develop crucial skills.

A Shift Driven by Modern Educational Needs

The National Education Policy 2020 has been instrumental in reshaping how we approach education. Its emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals has revolutionised supplementary learning opportunities. Summer programmes have become natural extensions of this vision, allowing students to explore subjects beyond their regular curriculum and dive deep into contemporary, interdisciplinary topics.

Educational institutions and private organisations have responded enthusiastically to this shifting paradigm. These programmes cater to diverse interests and learning styles – from coding boot camps and creative writing workshops to robotics classes and arts-and-crafts sessions. According to the Comparative Study of School Education System 2024, this approach aligns perfectly with global best practices that emphasise experiential learning and critical thinking.

The digital revolution has democratised access to quality education. Online learning platforms have eliminated geographic constraints, enabling students from cities, towns and rural areas to participate in high-quality courses. This technological integration has made summer programmes more inclusive and accessible.

Spotlight on Innovation: Anant Summer IsCool

Among the standout initiatives in this space is Anant Summer IsCool, an innovative programme offered by the Centre of Design Education (CODE) at Anant National University, Ahmedabad. This unique initiative collaborates with schools to cultivate design thinking capabilities in students, parents, counsellors and educators. Through interactive workshops and masterclasses offered by industry experts and renowned academicians, participants explore various facets of design while tackling real-world challenges.

In June 2024, Anant Summer IsCool brought together 75 students and educators from 26 schools spanning 12 Indian cities for an immersive design experience. The ten-day programme combined hands-on design workshops with innovative project work, where participants tackled real-world challenges through creative problem-solving. Beyond the design studio, the experience was enriched through sports competitions, open mic performances and heritage walks through Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, which created a holistic learning environment that blended creativity, culture and collaboration.

Impact on Students and Parents

For students, these programmes serve as stepping stones to discovering their passions and developing essential skills for the future. They gain exposure to professional mentorship, contemporary skills and real-world applications of their learning.

Parents find reassurance in knowing their children engage in productive activities that complement their academic pursuits. These programmes offer structured environments for personal growth while allowing children to explore their interests under professional guidance.

Looking Ahead

As India continues its educational transformation, summer programmes play an increasingly vital role in shaping the next generation. They are not just filling a gap in the academic calendar but creating pathways for students to become well-rounded, confident and innovative individuals ready to tackle future challenges. With pioneering initiatives like Anant National University’s Anant Summer IsCool leading the way, the future of experiential learning in India looks brighter than ever.

Also read: AnantU’s B.Tech on climate change to help restore climate back