Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Social Labs’ & ‘Learn-a-Lot’ To Empower 60,000 Hostel Students

In order to empower 60,000 hostel students, Social Labs offers professional skills for college students while Learn-a-Lot focuses integrating academics and life skills for school students.

The programs aim to bridge skill gaps and enhance career readiness through flexible online/offline learning.

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The Tamil Nadu government's Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department is introducing two transformative initiatives—Social Labs and Learn-a-Lot—to empower over 60,000 students residing in government-run hostels across the state. Designed specifically for first-generation learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the programmes aim to bridge skill gaps and enhance career readiness.

Social Labs, Learn-a-Lot To Empower 60,000 Students

While hostels cater to students' basic academic needs, officials highlight the lack of structured support for skill development and life skills. Social Labs will focus on college hostel students, offering training in professional, academic and interpersonal skills, as per a report on Times of India. Meanwhile, Learn-a-Lot is tailored for school hostel students, integrating academic improvement with extracurricular activities and essential life skills.

The Social Labs programme, set to be rolled out in 174 college hostels with around 12,910 students, aims to boost employability, build self-confidence, and establish a mentorship network, as per reports. Modules will cover functional English, personality development, professional software skills, arts, and sports, ensuring students are prepared not just for college but for future careers.

Learn-a-Lot will be implemented in 997 school hostels, benefiting approximately 44,500 students, reported New Indian Express. It takes a holistic approach by merging academics with co-scholastic learning and essential life skills. Both programmes will be delivered through a flexible zone-wise strategy, adapting to available infrastructure with online, offline, and blended learning options.