VIT-A.P. University distributes free laptops to 50 rural meritorious students

VIT-AP University on Friday distributed free laptops to 50 meritorious students from government junior colleges in rural areas across all 26 districts of the State. The event was organised under the university’s STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students) initiative.

Launched in 2017 by VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan, the STARS programme seeks to bridge the educational divide by providing full financial and academic support to top-performing students from government junior colleges. Each year, 26 boys and 26 girls — one from each district — are chosen based on outstanding academic performance.

Since its inception, the programme has supported over 300 students (146 male and 154 female), offering 100% tuition waiver, hostel accommodation, and basic healthcare free of cost. In 2025, the intake rose to 52 students from the initial cohort of 26.

“At VIT-A.P., we firmly believe that talent should never be limited by financial constraints,” said Vice-Chancellor S. V. Kota Reddy, adding that the programme reflects the institution’s mission to empower bright minds from rural areas with the tools to succeed.

Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 115 STARS students have graduated, while 184 are currently pursuing their degrees under the scheme. Registrar Jagadeesh Chandra Mudiganti, STARS coordinator D. Venkata Laxmi and other officials were present.