The Problem
In India, over 200 million historically marginalized communities (officially designated as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) live on the margins—excluded by social hierarchy, crushed by poverty, and silenced by stigma.
- Loss of hope in the future: The enrollment rate of youth from historically marginalized communities in 9-10th grades in government schools is only 58%, a sharp decline from the high enrollment rate of 97% in Grades 1-5.¹
- Dreams cut short: Dreams cut short: 56% of student suicides in India’s top universities are from marginalized communities.2
- Violence and silence: Every day, over 10 women and girls from historically marginalized communities endure sexual violence, their stories too often unseen.3,4
These figures aren’t just data. They stand for people whose needs went unmet.
Blossom Projects exists to change that.
¹Source: From Classrooms to Policy: Analysing UDISE+ 2024-25 Data for Universal Education.
2Source: India’s elite educational institutions have seen 61 deaths by suicide in five years, 2023., 2023.
3 Source: Caste-based sexual violence and state impunity, 2022.
4Dalit women, International Dalit Solidarity Network
Our theory of change
Blossom Projects aims to break the cycle of violence and exclusion of marginalized youth through education, skill building, and employment.
We believe that when marginalized youth are provided with a nurturing, empowering environment—where their academic, emotional, and creative selves are seen and supported—they can thrive, lead, and transform their lives and communities, breaking systemic barriers of caste and class.
Blossom Projects takes a holistic, youth-centered approach to drive long-term systemic change:
Through quality instruction, tutoring, and mentorship, students gain the skills and confidence to succeed. Each receives individualized academic support to help them reach grade level, with the goal of completing high school through state-approved online exams or re-enrollment in school.
Through mental health programs, open dialogue, and peer connection, students find space to heal and grow. Many come to us carrying deep trauma, but with the support of caring staff, peers, and alumni mentors, they begin to rebuild trust, resilience, and hope.
Through dance, drama, and storytelling, students rediscover their voice and sense of self. Many arrive shy and withdrawn, but over time they blossom—confidently performing in monthly cultural programs where every student takes the stage to share a play, dance, or song.
Through mentorship and personalized coaching, students learn to envision their future and take concrete steps toward it. After completing high school, they receive guidance to pursue technical training, higher education, or job placements—building the foundation for lasting economic stability.
What we do
Blossom Projects supports India’s most marginalized youth—many facing homelessness, violence, or extreme poverty—through comprehensive residential programs that provide education, mental health care, and job-ready skills.
Who We Serve
Youth aged 16 and older on average who have dropped out of school and come from deeply marginalized backgrounds—often facing extreme poverty, homelessness, single-parent households, sexual violence, domestic abuse, or family addiction.
What We Provide
A comprehensive 1–3 year residential program that integrates academic learning, mental health care, emotional support, vocational training, and life skills.
How We Work
We collaborate closely with trusted local partners in India to ensure culturally grounded support, community-based expertise, and long-term continuity of care.
Our Impact
More than 1,500 young people have participated in our holistic programs since our founding, gaining stability, skills, and pathways to a brighter future.
OUR PROGRAMS
At our flagship campus in Kerala, we currently offer the following programs:
Project New Roots
This is our flagship residential program lasting 10 months to 2 years. It provides intensive literacy support and helps students complete high school or 12th-grade equivalency exams—all while living in a safe, nurturing environment that rekindles a love of learning.
Project Nourish
Through interactive workshops, speakers, and training provided by supporters and community members, students learn about nutrition, personal hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, and disease prevention. The goal is to empower them with the tools and confidence to lead healthy, informed lives.
Project Udaan
Udaan means “flight” in Hindi. Project Udaan provides rigorous prep for college entrance so that youth can leave Blossom Projects and forge a new path forward.
Project Elevate
This program offers job placement & technical training pathways (launched 2025). Our goal is to connect graduates with employment or skill-building programs locally and out of state
Sahaas Ghar
This program offers job placement & technical training pathways (launched 2025). Our goal is to connect graduates with employment or skill-building programs locally and out of state
Sahaas Ghar
Sahaas Ghar means Home of Courage in Hindi. This is our safe house for young women pursuing education or employment in a big city. These Blossom graduates live together in a dormitory-style home with supervision, launching into professions and attending professional training with courage and confidence (launched 2025).
Every program provides a transformative pathway from trauma to confidence, from invisibility to leadership, and from poverty to economic well-being.
Lokuttara Leadership Academy
Lokuttara Leadership Academy
Lokuttara Leadership Academy (FCRA approved) in Mavelikara, Kerala, empowers marginalized youth—especially those from Scheduled Caste and tribal communities—through education, leadership training, and emotional support.
Founded in 2013–14, the Academy offers a 1–3 year residential program with separate hostels for boys and girls, complemented by mentoring, workshops, and camps. Its student-centered curriculum—covering English, computer skills, public speaking, arts, yoga, and meditation—fosters academic success, personal growth, and leadership.
Since 2015, Lokuttara has helped students re-engage with education, complete secondary school, and return as youth leaders in their communities.
PLANET Kerala
PLANET Kerala, an FCRA-approved NGO in Kerala partnered with Blossom Projects in the past to fund local programs. PLANET Kerala believes that participation is basic to humanization, democratization, development and the dynamism that reinforces human rights, social justice and environmental sustainability.
