88 students from underserved communities are joining India’s IT workforce

The Freshworks STS Software Academy (FSSA) graduated 90 students on October 4 in Chennai, many of them from rural and underserved communities. Nearly all of them landed jobs in the tech sector, challenging conventional ideas about tech recruitment in India. 

In a country where elite schools are often seen as the primary—and sometimes only—path to success, FSAA offers an alternative route by focusing on hands-on skills required for the job. The graduation ceremony, held at Freshworks’ Chennai office, drew representatives from tech companies such as Kissflow, Konnectify, Boxs, EXL, Jarvis.cx, and Lumel Technologies. 

Named after STS Prasad, a former SVP of engineering at Freshworks, the academy has grown from 13 students in 2019 to nearly 100 in the latest class. Eighty-eight of the 90 graduates this year have already landed jobs at tech companies, while two chose to pursue further studies. 

“Opportunities are endless when you set your mind to achieving your dreams,” Girish Mathrubootham, founder and executive chairman of Freshworks, said in an address to the graduates.

Read also: How students are helping expand Freshworks Marketplace

Taking tech to all

Following a year-long training program, students undergo a three-month placement process involving multiple interviews and company visits. All students in this year’s group secured internships, after which they transitioned into full-time paid roles as developers, testers, designers, customer support representatives, network operations center engineers, and helpdesk analysts.

"We don't just teach coding," explained Shanmuga Anandaraman, senior director of the social impact team. "We're creating well-rounded professionals ready for the demands of the tech industry."

The academy's four-track program covers English, life skills, tech skills, and problem-solving. Students are trained in HTML, CSS, Java, JavaScript, and MySQL, among other technologies. Unique experiences, such as an Inner Child Healing Session, and volunteer activities are also part of the curriculum. As part of their training, students complete capstone projects and participate in a mentorship program with Freshworks employees.

“The FSSA model not only challenges conventional recruitment practices but also demonstrates that with the right opportunity and support, talent can emerge from any background,” said Anandaraman. The academy welcomes tech leaders to collaborate as it open-sources its model, including curriculum, processes, and tools, for companies to adapt and use. FSSA is also looking for partners as it plans to expand to Hyderabad.

The success of this cohort has reinforced FSSA's mission of "taking tech to all." While 30% of the graduates are from Chennai, others hail from regions as far as Thoothukudi and Madurai.  They include a tribal girl, a former matchbox maker, a farmer’s son, and a married woman who once worked in weaving and floor mat making. Many are first-generation learners or come from single-parent households, representing a new wave of talent ready to shape a better future for them and their families. What unites them is their drive to learn and break the cycle of poverty.

“Not everyone will get an opportunity,” said graduate Jaleela Athnun. “So if we have gotten it, it means we are special.”