Rebecca Manzi At just 18, Adarsh Kumar has made a significant impact through his non-profit initiatives and educational platforms, earning the Chegg.org Global Student Prize and setting ambitious goals for the future.
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At just 18 years old, Adarsh Kumar has become an emblem of hope and resilience. He was recently awarded the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025, a prestigious recognition that comes with a $100,000 prize for students who have made a significant impact on society. Born in Champaran, Bihar, one of India’s most underprivileged regions, Adarsh’s rise to prominence is nothing short of extraordinary.
From humble beginnings to global recognition
Growing up in extreme poverty, Adarsh was raised by a single mother who sacrificed everything, including her savings, to purchase an old laptop for him. That simple act of love sparked a journey that would change the course of his life. Self-taught through platforms like YouTube and Google, Adarsh honed his skills in programming and entrepreneurship, determined to break free from the limitations of his circumstances.
At the tender age of 14, Adarsh left his home with just ₹1,000 (around €10) in his pocket, setting off on a journey to Kota, hundreds of miles away, with the aim of securing a better education.
A Mother’s Sacrifice, A Son’s Victory 18-year-old Adarsh Kumar from Bihar has just won the $100,000 Chegg.org Global…
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Early social initiatives and the birth of Skillzo
Even before his departure, Adarsh had already started making waves. At the age of 13, he founded the Mission Badlao non-profit organization, which succeeded in mobilizing his local community. Among its many achievements, Mission Badlao established a new public school, distributed over 2,000 COVID-19 vaccines, provided sanitary products for women, and planted 3,000 trees.
In 2023, Adarsh took another significant step forward by launching Skillzo, a digital platform designed to provide mentorship and entrepreneurship training to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In just two years, Skillzo has impacted over 20,000 young people, helping them access scholarships, start business ventures, and win national awards.
Recognition and future goals
Adarsh’s commitment to education and social change has earned him a scholarship to attend the Jayshree Periwal International School in Rajasthan. Additionally, he has been appointed as a consultant for Google’s Youth Program, becoming the youngest member of a global team of 52 leaders. Through the Bihar Chhatra Sansad, he has also engaged over 1,500 students in local governance and fundraising efforts for youth-focused initiatives.
The international recognition he received in London will help him further his mission. With the prize money, Adarsh plans to launch SkillzoX, an AI-driven mentorship platform designed to support students in rural areas. He also plans to develop the Ignite Fellowship, a global accelerator for young innovators.
During the award ceremony, Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, emphasized that Adarsh’s journey exemplifies the profound truth that education remains the most powerful gift for unlocking opportunities and transforming lives. Adarsh’s story now stands as a beacon of courage, resilience, and vision for future generations.
Fonte: Chegg.org
