New Delhi : Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) successfully concluded Tiger Pride 2026 in Delhi, bringing together students, counselors and partner schools associated with Tiger STRIPES, a premier global experiential learning platform.
The event recognised student achievement and engagement within the Tiger STRIPES platform, highlighting RIT’s continued collaboration with Indian schools. It continues to empower students globally through experiential and innovation-driven learning initiatives.
The program was led by Daniel Kopperud, Assistant Director – Strategic Global Enrollment Initiatives at Rochester Institute of Technology, who also conducted a workshop titled “Strong Applications Start in School: Avoiding Common Pitfalls.”
Daniel said, “Experiential learning plays an important role in helping students connect classroom learning with real-world situations. By participating in collaborative challenges and practical missions, the students begin to see how knowledge applies beyond textbooks. Our partnerships with schools across India help make these opportunities accessible, while counselors and educators guide students as they prepare for global academic pathways.”
The event adopted a “Spies and Missions” theme designed to encourage development of 21st-century skills through experiential activities and collaborative challenges.
Additionally, RIT recognised students and counselors who actively engaged with Tiger STRIPES initiatives during the academic year. Rupali Jadaun, Chirag Tomar, Divyanshu Yadav, Lavanya Verma and Lavanya Upadhaya from Vidyagyan Leadership Academy, Jason Valentine and Aagyan Neyan from Christwood School, and Daksh Sethi and Myra Agarwal from Kunskapsskolan School, were acknowledged.
Counselors supporting student participation in the program were recognised through the Most Inspiring Counselors Awards, presented to Subha Samson of Christwood School in Chennai, Isha Joshi of Indian Heritage School in Pathankot, and Charles-Aurèlien DIÉ of Pathways School in Gurugram.
The Highly Engaged School Award for the 2024–2025 academic year was presented to Vidyagyan Leadership Academy for its participation and engagement in Tiger STRIPES initiatives.
Commenting on the importance of collaboration between institutions and schools, Sundar Kumarasamy, CEO and Founder of Excelerate, said such initiatives support students as they explore international academic opportunities. “Students benefit when schools and institutions work together to expand opportunities beyond traditional classrooms. Exposure to collaborative challenges and international perspectives helps students build confidence as they prepare for global academic environments. Organisations like Excelerate aim to support this process by acting as an enabler that connects students, educators and institutions,” Kumarasamy said.
RIT’s Tiger STRIPES program is a no-cost global experiential learning platform designed to help students build real-world skills through online workshops, internships, webinars, events, and collaborative challenges across areas such as technology, design, and innovation. The initiative was created to expand access to learning opportunities for students regardless of location, enabling participation from school to graduate levels. Students engage with peers from more than 190 countries, gaining exposure to emerging fields including artificial intelligence while also participating in experiential activities such as micro-internships. Participants earn digital badges and certificates that strengthen their academic and professional profiles.
