Establishment of Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces for Gifted/ Talented Students in Goa under CARES Scheme
Introduction
- The Hon’ble Chief Minister in Goa Budget 2025-26 speechon the ‘Education Sector -School Education’ earmarked to establish 02 Centresof Excellence and 12 Proctored Training/ Testing Centres, one in each taluka of Goa.
- Math, Science – foundational subjects for innovation in technology
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 & flagship scheme of the Government of Goa – Coding And Robotics Education in Schools (CARES) Scheme – imparting
– Computational Thinking,
– Design Thinking, and
– Mathematical Thinking skills
among students in schools in all Govt. & Govt.-aided schools.
Vision Statement – ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’
To position Goa as a hub for young learners to engage in STEM education by inculcating a culture for excellence in math, science and innovation, through competitive global platforms, for developing human resource needed for India’s upcoming technology-led economy.
Mission Statement – ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’
To nurture and empower Goa’s young talent by facilitating them with state-of-the-art learning environments, cutting-edge STEM education and training through experienced mentors and institutions, for fostering innovation, creativity, and excellence in Mathematics and Science, by preparing them to compete and excel in Internationally recognized Olympiads and Competitions, thereby creating a trajectory for niche positions in academia and industry.
Establishment of ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’
- The Project Management Unit (PMU) under the CARES Scheme intends to establish ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’ one in each taluka, as part of the budget announcement. These spaces would be developed in line with internationally developed ‘Math Circles’ and ‘Science Circles’.
- These high-end specialized labs will serve as training centers for Goa’s students, equipping them with the skills necessary to develop the future human resource for the upcoming scientific/ technology-based economy.
- Create an environment for Specialized talented students – to further enhance their innate abilities and building their profile for participating in Internationally-recognized Competitions, Olympiads in STEM Programs and Computational/ Design/ Mathematical Thinking.
- Obtain/ Fund Scholarships to pursue niche carriers in academia and industry.
- Establish 12 Taluka-level Science Experiential & Community Learning Centers
– distinct theme-based centers – one in each taluka.
Target Age Groups
– Junior Category – Middle School Students: Ages 10-14
– Senior Category – High School Students: Ages 15-18
Call for Proposals to Set up ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’
The Project Management Unit (PMU) under the CARES Scheme, Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Goa, is pleased to invite proposals from interested institutions/ organisations to establish Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces, which are high-end STEM-based training centres for Gifted and Talented Students in each of the 12 Talukas of Goa. These were part of the Goa Government Budget 2025-26 announcement.
This initiative is aligned with the larger vision to equip students with skills in mathematics, computational thinking, problem-solving, and innovation through dedicated learning spaces.
Proposal Guidelines:
Space Requirement:
- Approx. 100 sq. metres of warm-shell space (ready-to-use condition) within the respective Taluka.
- for an initial period of 01 year – to be offered by the Hosting Institution for the use by PMU.
Responsibilities of Hosting Institution:
- Ensure electricity and water connection.
- Maintain basic upkeep of the premises (cleanliness, access, security, etc.).
Responsibility of PMU:
- Set up and equip the Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces with required STEM infrastructure, lab kits, devices, and digital equipment.
- To handle all operational, program, instructional, and office-related expenses.
- Assign Mentors/ Master Trainers for regular academic engagement and training of students.
Submission Requirements:
Interested institutions are requested to submit a brief proposal including:
- Name and Address of the Institution/ Organisation.
- Location/ Taluka of the proposed space
- Floor plan/ images of proposed space (approx. 100 sq. m.)
- Availability of electricity and water supply
- Details of furniture (if available)
- Institutional point of contact (Name, Designation, Email, Mobile No.)
- Special Submissions (if any).
Proposals may be submitted in online mode:
Last Date to Submit Proposals: 28th February 2026 (Saturday).
Nomination to be Master Trainer/ Mentor for Whiz-Kid Spaces.
The Project Management Unit (PMU) under the CARES Scheme, Directorate of Technical Education, Goa, is pleased to announce the establishment of 12 Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces, one in each taluka of Goa. ‘Math Circle’ is a world-renowned movement to nurture and establish an ecosystem for identifying and nurturing talent at a young age and physics and general sciences are the needed basis for innovations.
PMU invites nominations from interested Mathematics and Science faculty members, to serve as Mentors / Master Trainers for the upcoming Math Circles and Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces, in the talukas of Goa.
These learning spaces are envisioned as high-end, hands-on STEM environments to nurture problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity among high-potential middle school students. Faculty involvement will be instrumental in facilitating in-person mentoring, supporting curriculum implementation, and fostering a vibrant learning community in their respective regions.
Eligibility:
- Faculty members (retired/ in-service/ private/ government) from recognized academic institutions in Goa with a background in Mathematics or Science.
- Passion for nurturing gifted/ talented students and experience in student-centric or inquiry-based learning approaches.
Engagement Details:
- Role: Mentor / Master Trainer
- Honorarium: ₹500/- per visit (Govt.-approved rate)
- Mode of Engagement: Flexible; in-person mentoring sessions and/or observer participation in pilot program sessions.
- Initial Duration: 03 months, may be extended up to 01 year
- Support: Training and orientation sessions will be provided in collaboration with Implementation Partners.
Submission Guidelines:
Interested faculty members may submit their nominations through their respective Heads of Institutions / Departments, or individually along with:
- Brief CV (not exceeding 2 pages)
- Statement of Interest (max. 250 words)
- Preferred Taluka of engagement (if any)
- No Objection Certificate from the parent institute (if needed).
Nominations may be submitted in online mode:
Last Date to Submit Nominations: 28th February 2026 (Saturday).
For any queries, you may contact the Project Management Unit – CARES at:
cares-admin@goa.gov.in
or reach us at:
+91 97306 56697 (during office hours).