Education

Vision, Mission and Portfolio

Vision

"Empowering Nagarathar children through providing financial support for their education to transform lives and inspire future leaders."

Mission

"To identify and support underprivileged Nagarathar students by offering financial assistance, mentorship, and educational resources—fostering academic success, cultural continuity, and community leadership."

Portfolio


Initiative Metrics & Goals
Giving to India - Scholarships
(College going Nagarathar students in India)
  • Providing scholarships to ~400 college and ~25 high school Nagarathar students in India and the U.S., by expanding high school student support, ensuring education is driven by aspirations, not financial constraints.
  • Improve payout ratio and increase the number of students supported by diversifying fundraising efforts and Named Fellowship Funds.
Giving to India - Smart Schools
(Schools in Nagarathar villages in India)
  • Goal is to support 5-10 schools per year
  • Actively collaborate with schools in Nagarathar villages to understand their unique challenges and deliver targeted support.
Future Thinkers Program (North America based kids)
  • Essay competition each summer for middle school and high school students, designed to spark critical thinking and encourage leadership among young Nagarathars
Virtual Summer Camp (North America based kids)
  • Organize fun, interactive, and free summer camps for elementary and middle school students led by Nagarathar high school and college students, promoting peer learning and community engagement.
Podcasts and Audiocasts (For North American Nagarathars)
  • Launch a series of audio programs covering childhood Education, College Planning & Admissions, Career Advancement, Careers Beyond Boundaries.
  • Career series audiocasts

Team

Palaniappan Annamalai
Chair
Chockalingam Muthuraman
Co-Chair
Meiyappan Lakshmanan
Director, Fellowship Scholarship
Saraswathi Lakshmanan
Director, Content Administration
Mani Nachiappan
Director, Indian Scholarship
Annamalai Sethuraman
Director, Educational Projects
Meenakshi Ramanathan
Director, Content Administration
Vivekanandan Subramanian
Technology Director
Devi Chockalingam
Technology Director
Karthik Ramanathan
Director, Fundraising
Mangaiyarkkarasi Subramanian
Director, Content Administration
Ravi Palaniappan
Director, Indian Scholarship
Sundaram Saminathan
Director, Educational Projects
Radhika Srinivasan
Social/Digital Media Manager
Malathy Krishnan
Social/Digital Media Manager
Aparna Ramanathan
Financial Aid Officer
Alagammai Nachiappan
Director, Content Administration

Education Assistance

Application window for the 2025-26 NSNA Education Scholarships is currently open until September 30, 2025.
Application Instructions for NSNA Education Scholarship

To ensure that your application is complete and processed faster, please read through all the instructions carefully in this page and then start the application process.

Application period begins on July 15th, 2025 and ends on September 30, 2025
Applications WILL NOT BE accepted after September 30, 2025
Manual/email applications WILL NOT BE processed. All applications need to be submitted via the online form.

Provide valid email id in your application. Email is the only way of communication between NSNA education committee and you. We expect prompt response when we raise a query during review process. No response within the time frame given in email will result in rejection of the application.

Getting Ready

Following documents and applicants Bank details (including account number and IFSC code) are required to complete the application process. Have these documents scanned and ready BEFORE starting to fill the application form online. The size of each document should be within 1 MB :

For new applicants the following documents are required:

  1. Recent college authorized mark sheet issued by the educational institution that you attend. Computer printouts will not be accepted. If alternate is not available, printout should contain the college name, student name, course enrolled, subjects and marks/grades achieved
    • College 1st year students should submit XII and X marksheets.
    • Polytechnic 1st year students should submit X marksheet.
  2. Tuition fee receipt should contain the fee structure/details of the total paid. Tuition fee receipt containing just the sum paid without details WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
  3. Proof of family income should include income of both parents. Proof should be from current employer with the designation and name of the signer, contact information of the company. If not possible, proof of family income should be from a government authority. Letters written by candidates or their parents will not be accepted. Proof should be dated within the last one year.
  4. Proof of Nagarathar identity - This letter should be issued by the local nagarathar temple or Nagarathar Sangam where you reside. It should be on a letter head and should clearly state the nagarathar temple the applicant belong to. Proof from an individual nagarathar will not be accepted.
  5. The letter should also include the name of the person signing and the contact number
  6. A letter stating why you should be considered for the scholarship; within 500 words, tell us how you are a well rounded person to be considered for an NSNA Education Scholarship (this may include examples such as volunteering activities at school, at home, or for other social organizations).
  7. A recent passport size photo.
  8. First page of your Bank savings book/statement to which you want the money deposited - the page need to show Account holder's name, Account number, Bank name & Branch name that matches information you fill in the application. We do not need transaction information.
  9. Aadhar Number - Please provide your (student's) aadhar number and copy of the aadhar card showing name and details.

For repeat candidates the following documents are required.

  1. Repeat candidates must provide a previous valid NSNA student ID , without this you will not be considered as a repeat candidate.
  2. Recent college authorized mark sheet issued by the educational institution that you attend. Computer printouts will not be accepted.
  3. Tuition fee receipt should contain the fee structure/details of the total paid. Tuition fee receipt containing just the sum paid without details WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
  4. Proof of family income should include income of both parents. Proof should be from current employer with the designation and name of the signer, contact information of the company. If not possible, proof of family income should be from a government authority. Letters written by candidates or their parents will not be accepted. Proof should be dated within the last one year.
  5. Proof of Nagarathar identity - This letter should be issued by the local nagarathar temple or Nagarathar Sangam where you reside. It should be on a letter head and should clearly state the nagarathar temple the applicant belong to. Proof from an individual nagarathar will not be accepted.
  6. A letter stating why you should be considered for the scholarship; within 500 words, tell us how you are a well rounded person to be considered for an NSNA Education Scholarship (this may include examples such as volunteering activities at school, at home, or for other social organizations).
  7. A recent passport size photo.
  8. First page of your Bank savings book/statement to which you want the money deposited - the page need to show Account holder's name, Account number, Bank name & Branch name that matches information you fill in the application. We do not need transaction information.
  9. Aadhar Number - Please provide your (student's) aadhar number and copy of the aadhar card showing name and details.

Completing Application

Apply

  • Application has to be completed Online only. Applications sent through email will not be accepted and processed.
  • We encourage the candidates to apply online by themselves, instead of asking their parents or friends to do so.
  • If the candidate does not have access to a computer or needs help with the instructions, the following resources are available:
    • Koviloor Madalaya Trust, Karaikudi:
      Mr.Muruga Laxman
      Phone: 9443324220
    • NaNRI Association,Chennai:
      Mr. Singaram Subramanian, Founder President
      Phone: 9150003330
  • You must provide all required information in order for us to process your application. Failure to upload the required documents will result in delays or outright rejection of your application. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
  • Providing false/inaccurate information will result in the outright rejection of the application.
  • Use 'Apply for Scholarship' link in the left panel to start the online application.
  • On successful submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation email with your StudentId and Confirmation Number. Keep this information safe and provide this for all your future follow-up communications. Your StudentId is required for all inquires.

After applying

Checking Status

  • Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will NOT be able to provide responses to individual queries/emails regarding the status of your application.
  • Use 'Check Status' link in the left panel to check the status of your application
  • Please report any technical issues in the online application process to nsnaedu.support@achi.org 

To apply for assistance, click here

To donate towards education fund, click here

Feel free to reach out to us at educationchair@achi.org or educationcochair@achi.org with any questions.

Apply for Scholarship

NSNA Education Scholarship For 2025 - 2026

Please note that these scholarships are applicable to students, who are pursuing their education in India.

Application window for the 2025-26 NSNA Education Scholarships is currently open until September 30, 2025.

Apply for Scholarship New Student

Apply for Scholarship Previously Registered Student

Check Application Status Via Registration Number

Check Application Status Via Student ID and Date of Birth

Donate - Education Fund

Supporting education is a lifelong gift to ourselves and our community.
"கேடில் விழுச் செல்வங் கல்வி யொருவற்கு மாடல்ல மற்றை யவை."

Education initiatives that would benefit from donor support

India Scholarships:

This flagship NSNA program offers college scholarships that expand access to educational opportunities for students in India. The committee is committed to share the impact of donor contributions through case histories of individuals who have flourished as a result of these giving programs. Each academic year, NSNA receives about 400 student applications on average. To assess this massive number of applications, a data-driven, tiered funding model has been developed. This model is responsive to the following review factors: academic performance, tuition expenses, and family hardship. Every application that the committee receives contains a heart-wrenching story, always flooding its reviewers with emotion, and motivates it to maximize the support for qualifying students to the extent that resources allow. Individual awards are designed to range in four tiers from $150 to $1,000.

SMART Schools

This initiative will support qualifying Nagarathar village schools in the insertion of technology-enabled teaching tools within learning programs. These include support for acquiring SMART TVs with web-enabled, e-learning content and for acquiring computers / computational resources in libraries and laboratories. This program is designed to support schools with awards that range from $2,500 to $5,000 per school.

How can you help?

We are sure all of you understand the importance of education. In today's society, it is a necessity and plays a significant role in our lives. Many of us are fortunate enough to come from families that are able to provide a good education. However, that is not the case everywhere, as there are many who are not blessed with this opportunity. The Programs are funded through donations from our members.

All contributions to NSNA are exempt from United States federal income tax under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

The following are a few opportunities for you to directly engage and help deserving students.

Adopt One or More Students

While contributions of all values are equally appreciated, the committee recommends the following options for consideration:

  • Puravalar - $10,000 - Will help 8 students for 2 years. Full-page photo in Nanal.
  • PerumKodai Vallal - $5,000 - Will help 4 students for 2 years. Half-page photo in Nanal.
  • Maha Vallal - $2,500 - Will help 4 students for 1 year.
  • Perum Vallal - $1,500 - Will help 3 students for 1 year.
  • Kodai Vallal - $1,000 - Will help 2 students for 1 year.
  • Kalvi Vallal - $500 - Will help 1 student for 1 year.
  • Vallal - $250 - Will help towards partial assistance for 1 student for 1 year.
  • Nankodaiyalar - Any amount - Will help towards assistance for 1 or more students based on the donation amount.

Tribute to a Family Member

Extended family members collectively donate $2500, $5000, $10000+ in honor of a family member; will be coordinated with ADOPT A STUDENT or SMART Schools initiatives. We will recognize your family or the one you are paying tribute to through a ½ page photo ($5000 to $9,999) or a full-page photo ($10,000+) in NANAL.

Gift of Graduation - Donate any amount in honor of your child's graduation from high school or college.

Donation Details

Please be Sure to Check with Your Employer for a Matching Contribution.

Please mention Education in the memo of your check. If you have questions, please contact educationchair@achi.org or educationcochair@achi.org

 

Virtual Summer Camp

Vision

"Dive into an exciting summer of creativity, learning, and fun with our virtual sessions! Designed for children aged 5 to 14, these engaging activities include arts and crafts, cooking, chess, and educational experiments. From exploring origami and canvas painting to mastering basic cooking and fun math, there's something for everyone. Join us to learn new skills, ignite creativity, and make lasting memories—all from the comfort of home! "

Tiny Tots (Ages 5-7)

  • Arts & Crafts - 1   More Info
  • Basic Fireless Cooking   More Info
  • Arts & Crafts - 2   More Info
  • Arts & Crafts - 3   More Info

Smarty Sprouts (Ages 8 - 10)

  • Basic Cooking   More Info
  • Arts & Crafts - 1   More Info
  • How to read Nutrition Labels   More Info
  • Arts & Crafts - 2   More Info
  • Chess Basics   More Info
  • Block Coding   More Info
  • Chess Intermediate   More Info

Whiz Kids(Ages 11-14)

  • 3D Modeling   More Info
  • Basic Cooking   More Info
  • How to read Nutrition Labels   More Info
  • Educational - Science experiments   More Info
  • Chess Basics   More Info
  • Arts & Crafts   More Info
  • Chess Intermediate   More Info

INSTRUCTORS


  Aishu Meyyappan


  "I am 18 years old.
  I will be majoring in Business Administration at
  Georgia Tech this fall and hope to one day work in finance!"


  Krishnan Valliyappan  


  "I am 17 years old,  
  and my future aspiration is to become an Industrial Engineer.  
  My hobbies include playing tennis, pickleball, and golf."  



  Indra Lakshmanan


  "I am 16 years old,
  and my hobbies include sketching and reading.
  My future aspiration is to pursue a career in Sales or Marketing!"


  Ajay Manickaraj  


  "I am 17 years old,   
  and my hobbies include tennis, chess, pickleball, and coding.   
  My future aspiration is to become an entrepreneur."  



  Lakshmi Venkatachalam


  "I am 15 years old,
   my hobbies include baking, reading, crocheting, and Carnatic singing.
  My future aspiration is to study psychology and become a psychiatrist."



  Dhivya Meiyappan  


  "I am 15 years old,   
  and my hobbies include crochet, embroidery, and drawing.  
  My future aspiration is to study and pursue a career in biomedicine."  



  Shivathmika Palaniappan


  "I am 13 years old,
  and my hobbies include painting, drawing, and reading.
  My future aspiration is to become a Software Engineer."



  Meenatchi Krishnapan  


  "I am 15 years old.   
  My hobbies include painting, embroidery, and building things.  
  In the future, I aspire to get into a good college and pursue a respectable profession."  





  Shruti Meiyappan


  "I am 15 years old.
   In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and listening to music.
  In the future, I aspire to study medicine and dedicate my life to helping people."



  Sreenath Arunprakash  


  "I am 15 years old.   
  My hobbies include pencil sketching, making origami, playing soccer, and playing the piano.  
  In the future, I aspire to graduate from Georgia Tech University and become a mechanical engineer."  






Asst-INSTRUCTORS




  Rengenath Veera Sadayappan  


  "I am 12 years old,   
  and my hobbies include playing chess, tennis, piano, and the clarinet.   
  My future aspirations are to pursue a career in business and to start a chess academy."  




  Jeyashri Muthukumar


  "I am 11 years old,
  and my hobbies include drawing, crochet, and reading.
  My future aspiration is to become a lawyer"



  Seetha Chockalingam  


  "I am 12 years old,   
  and my hobbies include swimming, classical dancing , camping, playing tennis.   
  My future aspiration is to study medicine and become a pediatricianist."  




Future Thinker Contests 2025

Podcasts

See a list of all education podcasts on this page.

Career Series - Law

Are you a high school or college student trying to decide whether law is a career for you? Are you a parent trying to understand the profession and see if it could be a potential fit for your child? Then listen to this podcast with Kanna Brown to hear more about this profession, and the qualities that are needed to be successful in it.

Our Guest: Kanna Brown

Kanna was an attorney in private practice for almost 15 years working in small business start-ups, contract negotiations, international law, estate planning and family law. Simultaneously for nearly seven years, Kanna served as Program Director and Instructor for the Paralegal Studies Program at Sanford-Brown. In 2009, she started in public service working for the US Air Force as a contract specialist and then as a contracting officer responsible for negotiating development and production contracts for major satellites, radars, and defense plane systems. Recently, she helped to form a small team of multifunctional experts from Program Management, Contracting, Logistics, Science/Engineering and Attorneys who are tasked with assisting the Air Force in handling Intellectual Property issues in a much smarter way that will allow for innovation, speed and cost savings.

Subscribe to the NSNA Podcast in Apple podcasts and Google play music! Just click the links below for the platform of your choice.

Listen on Google Play Music Listen on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Contact us via email at nsnaweb@achi.org

Happy listening and learning!


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Finding Your Calling

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Early Childhood Education


Webinar Transcript

Click to view the transcript