BENGALURU (SJBHS): THE POWER OF STEM
Learn for Life Foundation's partnership with SJBHS Bengaluru grew from a shared vision to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly technology-driven world.
Our Journey
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, SJBHS has long been recognized for academic excellence, leadership development, and its commitment to Jesuit values. Building on this strong foundation, Learn for Life Foundation saw an opportunity to expand access to innovative STEM education and help students develop the skills needed to become future innovators, problem-solvers, and community leaders.
In 2020, Learn for Life Foundation Founder Thomas Thekkethala, a member of the SJBHS Class of 1977, developed the vision for a dedicated STEM innovation center at the school. Working closely with the BJES, the alumni community, the Joy Thomas Foundation, and education leaders in India and the United States, he helped establish the framework for what would become the Loyola Technology Center (LTC). In 2021, STEM educator and program leader Asha Sundararajan joined the initiative, collaborating with Mr. Thekkethala and STEM program advisor Dr. Ajit Paranjpe to develop a long-term roadmap for STEM education at SJBHS.
Designed and constructed between January and April 2022, the Loyola Technology Center was created as a dynamic learning environment where students could explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiences, project-based learning, and real-world applications. The center was officially inaugurated in 2022 by the Honorable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawarchand Gehlot, marking an important milestone in the school's educational journey.
Today, students at the Loyola Technology Center participate in STEM clubs, after-school workshops, weekend seminars, and mentoring programs that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. Equipped with modern technology and guided by educators, alumni mentors, and industry professionals, students engage in projects ranging from Arduino programming and robotics to sustainability initiatives and scientific research. Through corporate site visits, industry partnerships, and internship opportunities, they gain exposure to emerging careers and a deeper understanding of how STEM can be used to improve society.
One of the center’s signature initiatives is AURUM, the annual STEM conference hosted by SJBHS. Bringing together students, educators, innovators, and industry leaders from across Karnataka, AURUM celebrates innovation, creativity, and discovery while expanding access to STEM opportunities. The conference places particular emphasis on inspiring and empowering students from rural and underserved communities, reinforcing the belief that talent and potential exist everywhere when educational opportunities are made accessible.
The success of the Loyola Technology Center has reinforced Learn for Life Foundation's belief that STEM education can be a powerful catalyst for opportunity and social impact. What began as a vision for a single center has evolved into a model for expanding high-quality STEM learning across India. By combining technology, mentorship, experiential learning, and service, the partnership between Learn for Life Foundation and SJBHS continues to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers.