Hyderabad: Freshworks is launching the first edition of the Academy for Careers in Tech (ACT) programme in Hyderabad, a zero-cost, 18-month skilling programme aimed at empowering underserved youth with industry-relevant technology skills. The programme will be hosted at CMR Engineering College, chosen for its robust infrastructure and shared vision for inclusive education.
Edunet Foundation is the implementing partner who will drive end-to-end programme delivery for ACT in close supervision of Freshworks CSR team and Freshworks Hyderabad leadership.
The ACT Programme is designed to bridge the education-to-employment gap for students who lack access to formal college education but demonstrate high potential. The curriculum combines technical training, life skills, and career mentorship to prepare students from rural and migrant communities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for job opportunities across the technology industry.
- Programme Supported by: Freshworks
- Implementing Partner: Edunet Foundation
- First batch intake: 30 students (48 students are shortlisted for the Bootcamp from 1,000 applicants)
Outreach campaigns across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh drew over 1,000 applications. After a rigorous selection process, including pre-assessments in Chittoor, Guntur, Krishna, Warangal, and Hyderabad, 90 students were shortlisted for final interviews and 48 were selected for the Boot Camp. The programme will run for 15 months, with the goal of graduating 30 students in the first cohort.
Where:
CMR Engineering College, Hyderabad
Facilities include:
- A 60-seater smart classroom with an interactive panel, projector, power backup, and full furnishings
- A computer lab with a capacity for 60 students
- A dedicated faculty room with two counseling cabins
Speaking about the launch, Nagesh Singh, Chairman, Edunet Foundation, said, “Our partnership with Freshworks reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. The Academy of Careers in Technology is designed to offer students not just skills, but real-world experiences and career direction. Through this programme, we aim to build a new generation of confident, capable technologists – starting now!”
Sreedhar Gade, Vice President of Engineering and Responsible AI at Freshworks, said, “The ACT Programme reflects Freshworks’ long-standing commitment to democratising tech education and creating pathways for underrepresented communities – something that first started with FSSA. By partnering with Edunet and CMR Engineering College, we’re equipping 30 students from rural and migrant backgrounds with industry-relevant skills through a 15-month intensive programme—ensuring they’re not just job-ready, but future-ready for India’s evolving tech landscape.”