The “Katalyst Program”, encourages and assists intellectually bright girl students to pursue a professional education. Courses include Engineering, Medicine, Commerce and Law etc. leading to a degree that will enhance their ability to secure remunerative employment. The Program seeks to provide support in the form of material, intellectual and personal benefits so that deserving girls can become agents of wider change throughout the entire social fabric of India.

THE SCHEME

Under the scheme, funding and support shall be awarded to girl students across India who meet the following criteria

	Age profile
		Class XII: Should not be above the qualifying age for the entrance examination.
		Graduate Level: Should not be above the qualifying age for the entrance examination.
	Educational Background
		In case of Class XII
			Aggregate marks of more than 85 % in class X
		In case of Graduate Level
			Preferred streams mathematics, statistics, economics, commerce, engineering.
			Those who have aggregated more than 85 % in class XII.
			Candidates should have the minimum required percentage for the qualifying exams. Exceptional performance will be preferred.
		In case of Post - Graduate Level
			Candidates pursuing MBA and a Masters in the above mentioned streams.
	Family Background For All
		The aggregate income of the parents of the child must not exceed Rs 1.50 per annum in the urban area and Rs.60 thousand/annum in the rural areas.
		The scheme as announced may be amended / changed from time to time or withdrawn partially or altogether by TSP without any notification at its own discretion.
		The scheme will depend upon the nature of education for which the student has secured admission at the College/University.
			Reimbursement or payment of full fees paid to recognized coaching classes so that the individual girls can secure admission to leading institutions in their fields of interest.
			Reimbursement or payment of full education fees paid which will be paid directly to the college/university.
			Reimbursement of expenses towards purchase of text book on submission of cash memos.
			Allowance for maintenance to meet hostel/accommodation, transport and the other expenses to maintain the student, based on actuals, subject to a maximum of certain amount per year.
			Any expense for other professional course will be at the discretion of TSP entirely.

Duration

The Scheme has come into force from September 2006 and will be implemented on an ongoing basis through out the year.

The above assistance shall be awarded on yearly basis for the entire duration of the coaching classes and the university education leading to diploma/degree opted by the student subject to the following condition:

• The students should maintain consistent standards of academics record both at the coaching class level and the university level. The minimum level maintained must be 60%.

• The assistance shall cease, if the student fails in any year for any reason or is rusticated/expelled from the university or is involved in any activity unbecoming of a good responsible citizen or fails to maintain high standards as determined by TSP.

Needs Assessment by Third Sector Partners

The Katalyst Program is not only a financial aid scheme for intellectually bright girls, but also seeks to bring about overall personality development, based on the belief that educated women are the best catalysts for social and economic progress. The needs assessment will be done by an empanelled set of professionals such as psychologists, social workers, partners of Hunt Partners and Third Sector Partners etc. The student has to participate in the personal skill development program as determined by Third Sector Partners.

Confirmation of selection and Presentation Function.

TSP shall endeavor to celebrate the success of the girls in the program at least once a year in Mumbai.