SkilliZee’s Visionary Founder, Dr. Aarna Singh, Honored with the EntrepreNaari Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024
In an era where traditional education systems often fail to prepare students for the real-world challenges ahead, Dr. Aarna Singh Rawat, the visionary founder of SkilliZee, and director of Cambridge Court Group of institutions is forging a new path in education. With a background in business and a passion for shaping the minds of the future, Aarna has made it her mission to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical, real-life implementation. Under her leadership, SkilliZee has become a pioneering force in educational innovation, blending the best of academic excellence with META skills like creative, skill-building experiences for young learners.
A Journey Rooted in Education and Innovation
Aarna Singh's educational journey spans two prestigious institutions: the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Bangalore and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in the United States. With an extensive academic background, Aarna was always deeply invested in the concept of learning, but her true inspiration came from the realization of the growing gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in traditional classrooms.
"The alarmingly widening divide between what is taught in classrooms and what is expected in the real world was a gap I couldn't ignore. Education needed to evolve to meet the changing demands of an AI-driven world, and that's when SkilliZee was born," shares Aarna. SkilliZee was founded with the core vision of revolutionizing education, helping students not just absorb facts but also develop META skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence skills necessary for success in this AI era.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones
Like any innovative venture, Aarna faced her fair share of challenges in establishing SkilliZee. One of the primary hurdles was adapting Harvard-style case studies for young students, particularly for children as young as 8 years old. The concept of using MBA-level case studies and simplifying them to a 4th-grade level was a groundbreaking idea. The challenge was not only in simplifying the content but also in ensuring that the learning process remained engaging and fun for children.
"Our biggest achievement was making learning fun. When we introduced our curriculum, the real challenge was ensuring that it was exciting enough for children to engage with. If it wasn't fun, they wouldn't be able to connect with the material. We needed to make sure they were curious and eager to explore the real-world problems we were presenting," Aarna recalls.
The journey of SkilliZee's transformation began with a successful pilot project that demonstrated the efficacy of small-group learning, which significantly enhanced focus and engagement. However, it wasn't until the program expanded to offline classes, where personalized attention was given to each child, that SkilliZee truly began to see its long-term impact. With an innovative curriculum that combined theory with practical exercises of the real case scenarios, children began to excel in real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Innovative Teaching and Curriculum: A Game-Changer
At the heart of SkilliZee's success lies a curriculum inspired by top institutions like Harvard, ISB, and IIM, focusing on not just academic knowledge but the development of essential life skills. One of SkilliZee's most innovative features is its gamified learning approach, which integrates AI tools to foster an engaging and interactive environment. The curriculum includes four progressive stages: Foundation Sessions, Jumpstart Sessions, Master Pro League, and Legendary Captainship, each designed to build upon the previous one to enhance problem-solving, research, communication, and leadership skills.
As Aarna explains, "We're not just teaching kids to memorize facts; we're teaching them how to think outside the box in any situation, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively. These META skills are crucial for the future job market, and we want to equip them with everything they need to succeed."
SkilliZee also introduced masterclasses and workshops focused on AI, where children can learn how to use AI tools to build their own start-ups, further immersing them in a hands-on learning experience that blends education with entrepreneurship.
Awards, Recognition, and Leadership
Under Aarna's leadership, SkilliZee has garnered recognition for its transformative approach to education. Recently, she was awarded the prestigious EntrepreNaari (Woman Entrepreneur) of the Year, 2024 by The Economic Times, a testament to her contributions to the education sector. Additionally, Aarna received the Educational Excellence Award for The Eduprenuer director of the year by Kitescraft Production for her innovative work in education. She has also been called as the distinguished Next-Gen educator by DIDAC India.
Her dedication to making the needful change in the education landscape has not gone unnoticed, and her impact is far-reaching, with SkilliZee expanding its reach and changing the way students approach learning.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Aarna Singh is a highly creative individual with a love for reading and spending quality time with her paw pets, Duke and Dexter. In her free time, Aarna enjoys her growing interest in AI modelling and algorithms.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future of SkilliZee
Aarna's vision for the future of SkilliZee is bold and far-reaching. She aims to reach over 1 million students across India, expanding the school's influence and ensuring the highest number of schools are affiliated with the program.
"We are focused on providing a future-ready education that not only teaches AI tools but also bridges the gap between what's taught in schools and the expectations of the real world. By focusing on META skill development, critical thinking, and problem solving, we are preparing the next generation for a rapidly changing job market," says Aarna.
In the coming years, SkilliZee plans to expand its B2B operations, targeting Tier 1 cities and their surrounding areas, and further enhancing the curriculum with more skills, workshops, and AI tools. The school will also continue its commitment to planning, thinking, and implementing real-world solutions, helping students develop a comprehensive approach to challenges.
Through SkilliZee, Aarna has proven that education is not just about academics but about equipping young minds with the meta skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Her passion for creating meaningful change in the education system has led to the creation of a unique platform that nurtures the next generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators. As SkilliZee continues to grow and expand, it is clear that Aarna's journey is just beginning, and the impact of her vision will continue to shape the future of education.
SkilliZee, under Aarna's leadership, is not only redefining how children learn but is also preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow. The future looks bright for both SkilliZee and the students who will benefit from its transformative approach to education.
For more information, please visit: https://skillizee.club/
