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From Empty Offices to Thriving Classrooms: The Story of DCKAP Palli

Karthik Chidambaram
March 28, 2023 |
DCKAP Palli: Students from Batch 1

As the world continues to adapt to a new way of working, many companies have shifted to remote work models. 

In 2021, DCKAP made the decision to go fully distributed and closed our offices. However, this left us with the question of what to do with our office in Chennai. 

After careful consideration and planning, we launched DCKAP பள்ளி (School).

DCKAP பள்ளி or DCKAP Palli (lit. School) is an initiative where we recruit students who are smart, have completed their 12th grade, and are not able to pursue college education due to a lack of resources. 

We offer them software coursework that makes them employable and also offer a stipend every month so that finances don’t pose a hurdle while they build their knowledge and skill base. 

Our program consists of one year of learning and training, followed by a six-month internship. Upon completion, we offer the students an opportunity to join DCKAP

DCKAP Palli: The Very First Batch

The team behind DCKAP Palli began seeking applications for DCKAP Palli starting June 2022. 

After having registered for the program and passing the initial application screening, the candidates underwent a preliminary written assessment. 

This was followed by face-to-face interviews, before final selections were made. 

By September 2022, the first batch of DCKAP Palli was ready. 

DCKAP Palli: Students from the very first batch

They began learning on September 12, 2022, and are already witnessing the impact of this initiative. These twenty-four individuals — including three 12th-graduation students and 20 diploma-graduation students — went through our selection process and allowed us to open new possibilities for their careers. 

This training has been undertaken with the help of external resources as well as members of the DCKAP Community. 

From software engineers, to account managers and PMOs — people across career paths pitched into the curriculum as well as sessions. 

The course itself includes modules in full stack web development, but also interpersonal skills and soft skills. 

And since a well-rounded individual is much more than their skills, DCKAP Palli students also participate in weekly book clubs and occasional cultural events along with the larger DCKAP Community. 

New batches, new opportunities  

Education is a fundamental right and we believe that opportunity should not be limited by financial constraints. Our aim is to provide students with an alternative path to gain knowledge and skills that are in high demand in today’s job market.

We are currently accepting applications (from Tamil Nadu) for our second batch, which will begin mid-2023. If you know of any students who are smart, have completed their 12th or diploma, but are unable to pursue education due to financial constraints, please refer them to us.

At DCKAP, we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of their background or financial status. 

We are thrilled to be making a difference in the lives of these students and look forward to continuing our mission of empowering and educating the next generation.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying to DCKAP Palli, head on over to the application form

For regular updates, follow DCKAP Palli on LinkedIn, or check out its blog

Karthik Chidambaram

Karthik Chidambaram is the Founder & CEO of DCKAP. He bootstrapped the company from his small apartment in Chicago, Illinois. DCKAP simplifies commerce for distributors. DCKAP was started with 2 people, 2 computers and 2 desks and is now a global and distributed team. Karthik reckons industry setbacks and renders solid & practical solutions to organizations. He holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. You can read more about him on his personal blog here.

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