🔁 Choose Your Schedule:
Both editions offer the same transformative learning experience, allowing you to select the dates that work best for you.
Programme Duration
5-Day Certified Programme
Eligibility
1. Open to high school students from India and worldwide.
2. Students must be in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 in May or June 2025.
3. Students who have recently completed Class 12 and have taken their board exams are also eligible.
4. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, as it will be the programme’s medium of instruction.
Young Scholars Programme: Impact Leaders of Tomorrow
A Transformative Journey Towards Leading Change
The Young Scholars Programme: Impact Leaders of Tomorrow (YSP ILT) is a five-day, certified residential programme for students entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who aspire to lead and create meaningful change in the world. YSP ILT offers a holistic approach to developing future leaders equipped with an understanding of global challenges and the tools to drive impactful solutions.
YSP ILT explores the interconnected nature of critical issues such as climate change, social equity, economic disparities, sustainable development and global health crisis to name a few. Over five transformative days on the Ashoka campus, students will immerse themselves in a holistic learning experience, cultivating skills in systems thinking, impact measurement, collaborative leadership, and innovative problem-solving. Through hands-on activities and stimulating discussions, students will enhance their ability to analyse complex systems, adapt to diverse perspectives, and design sustainable solutions.
Navigating the Challenges of Social and Environmental Impact
Guided by renowned faculty members and industry leaders, including Professor Mahesh Rangarajan, Professor Mitul Baruah, Professor Swargwjyoti Gohain, public intellectuals such as Mr. Anil Swarup and policy think tanks such as Centre for Civil Society, students will explore the multifaceted nature of change. What lessons can be drawn from successful policies in advancing social equity or reducing economic disparities? What role do technological innovations play in addressing health crises, and how can leaders ensure equitable access to these solutions? What innovative approaches can promote sustainable development while respecting cultural contexts and local ecosystems? How do individual motivations align or conflict with systemic needs? Through real-world case studies, you’ll gain insights into these questions and begin to understand the dynamics of social transformation.
The programme is designed to broaden students’ understanding of social realities, sharpen practical skills, and develop a mindset grounded in empathy and determination. By the end of the programme, you’ll have a deeper awareness of how change happens—and how you can be a part of it.
Leadership for a Better Tomorrow
YSP ILT equips students for future roles in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors, where they can drive meaningful change. Focusing on areas like social enterprise, economic development, healthcare, public policy and sustainability, you’ll gain insights into what it takes to lead and innovate within diverse fields of social impact. The programme’s interdisciplinary framework and dialogic approach prepare you to not only understand complex problems but also envision solutions that make a lasting difference.
Hands-on Projects at YSP ILT
Students dive into the real-world application of social innovation. Working in teams under the mentorship of Ashoka faculty and industry experts, students will tackle critical societal challenges related to health, gender, education, poverty and environmental sustainability. By engaging with frameworks like systems thinking and human-centred design, students learn to craft solutions that are both inventive and sustainable. It not only strengthens their ideas but also hones their ability to think critically, adapt flexibly, and communicate persuasively.
Building a Collaborative, Engaged Community
YSP ILT extends beyond academic rigour, offering a holistic campus experience where students reside in Ashoka’s dormitories, share meals in the university’s dining halls, and participate in activities like Talent Night, Debates, and Cultural Evening. These shared experiences foster bonds and create a network of young changemakers, promoting interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, and lifelong connections. Through YSP ILT, students not only experience the process of innovation but also become part of a community committed to meaningful impact.
📢 Applications for YSP 2025 are now open!
With limited seats and rolling admissions, apply early to secure your spot.
– Develop a comprehensive understanding of global issues such as climate change, economic inequalities, public health crises, and social inequities, and their impact on communities and ecosystems. – Explore the interconnected nature of social, environmental, and economic systems, and understand theories, policies, and frameworks driving transformative change. – Analyse the role of government policies, institutional frameworks, and public decision-making in addressing systemic challenges and achieving sustainable solutions. – Discover how STEM, social sciences, and humanities intersect to tackle complex societal challenges, fostering holistic, context-aware solutions.
Skills
– Enhance critical thinking skills to identify the root causes of social challenges, apply systems thinking, and innovate sustainable solutions. – Learn to measure and evaluate the impact of social interventions using analytical tools and metrics for long-term effectiveness. – Build collaborative leadership and teamwork skills by engaging in group projects to address societal issues. – Develop persuasive communication skills, using storytelling, data visualization, and social media strategies to inspire action and influence change.
Attitude
– Cultivate empathy and ethical responsibility, recognising the importance of prioritising societal well-being and making inclusive decisions. – Embrace curiosity and cultural sensitivity to appreciate diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive mindset for impactful leadership. – Build resilience by viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and maintaining a commitment to positive social impact. – Develop a strong commitment to equity, justice, and sustainability in solutions aimed at systemic transformation.
Application
– Apply theoretical knowledge to design actionable strategies addressing social and environmental challenges through systems thinking and human-centered design. – Prototype and refine innovative ideas in workshops and team projects to scale them for broader impact. – Use leadership, communication, and impact assessment skills to advocate for policies, practices, and mindsets that drive meaningful change in communities and beyond.
Sample Schedule
YSP Impact Leaders of Tomorrow (YSP ILT) programme offers a comprehensive exploration of the most pressing environmental and social challenges, inspiring students to engage with real-world issues. Scholars will investigate the impact of climate change on communities, exploring questions such as: How do rising sea levels affect migration patterns, and how can we design sustainable cities to adapt to these changes? The programme delves into how data and technology are driving environmental solutions, asking how machine learning can help predict natural disasters or optimize resource management. Students will also grapple with social issues, such as: How can we bridge the gap between marginalized communities and access to clean water, education, and healthcare? Ethical considerations play a key role, prompting students to ask: What is our responsibility in addressing environmental justice, and how do we ensure equitable access to resources?
Scholars will also explore the power of storytelling in raising awareness and driving action, through sessions that examine how narratives can shift public perception and influence policy. These topics will push students to think critically, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on environmental and social impact.
Over five immersive days at Ashoka campus, you’ll explore the intersections of technology, nature, and social responsibility, guided by inspiring faculty and industry leaders. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, social equity, or innovative tech solutions, this programme gives you an interdisciplinary foundation with a theoretical, historical and research based grounding in issues that surround us locally and globally. Insights from disciplines such as Environmental Studies, Social Anthropology, Systems Thinking, Development Studies, Technology, Data Sciences and more will enrich your worldview about issues that you care for. This experience is enhanced with our guest speakers who share insights from industry practice, equipping students with real-world as well as academic knowledge. The day winds down with fun & recreational activities including sports and the performing arts.
Head of the Department, Environmental Studies. Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and Environmental Studies, Ashoka University, PhD Coordinator, Sociology and Anthropology
Ph.D. Syracuse University
Amita Baviskar
Dean, Faculty and Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology and Anthropology, Ashoka University
Ph.D. Cornell University
Mahesh Rangarajan
Professor of Environmental Studies and History Chair (Hon.), Ashoka Archives of Contemporary India,
DPhil University of Oxford
Nayanjot Lahiri
Professor of History, Ashoka University
Ph.D. Delhi University
Sample Inspiring Speakers
Jack Szostak
Nobel Laureate
Pramath Raj Sinha
Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University Founder and MD, Harappa Education Founder and MD, 9.9 Group Founding Dean, ISB Visiting Faculty, Young India Fellowship
Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
Deep Kalra
Founder, MakeMyTrip
BA Economics, St. Stephen’s College MBA, IIM Ahmedabad
Sanjeev Bikhchandani
Founder and Vice-Chairman, Info Edge (Naukri.com) Visiting Faculty, Young India Fellowship
BA, St. Stephen’s College MBA, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Ashish Dhawan
Founding Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University Advisory Council, The Isaac Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance, Ashoka University Founder and Chairman, Central Square Foundation
BS, Yale University MBA, Harvard University
K. VijayRaghavan
Former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India
Somak Raychaudhury
Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Physics, Ashoka University
Ph.D. University of Cambridge
FAQs
1) What is the Young Scholars Programme: Impact Leaders of Tomorrow?
Young Scholars Programme: Impact Leaders of Tomorrow (YSP ILT) is a five-day on campus programme organized by Ashoka University, Sonipat, specially curated for high schoolers entering grades 9- 12. YSP ILT is based on an experiential and solution-driven approach to understanding the complexity of environmental & social challenges through interrelated disciplines with workshops focused on design thinking, prototyping, and scaling solutions. Over five immersive days at Ashoka campus, you’ll explore the intersections of technology, nature, and social responsibility, guided by inspiring faculty and industry leaders. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, social equity, or innovative tech solutions, this programme gives you an interdisciplinary foundation with a theoretical, historical and research based grounding in issues that surround us locally and globally. Insights from disciplines such as Environmental Studies, Social Anthropology, Systems Thinking, Development Studies, Technology, Data Sciences and more will enrich your worldview about issues that you care for.
2) Is Young Scholars Programme: Impact Leaders of Tomorrow (YSP ILT), an online or offline event?
Young Scholars Programme: Impact Leaders of Tomorrow (YSP ILT) is a five-day programme to be held in person at Ashoka Campus.
3) What is liberal arts and sciences education?
Liberal Arts & Sciences education celebrates discussion and debate in the classroom. A Liberal Arts & Science education focuses on providing critical thinking skills and multiple perspectives to students, which is considered an essential part of leading an ethical and purposeful life. Essentially, it incorporates breadth and depth across multiple disciplines.
4) Do we get a certificate for attending The Young Scholars Programme?
Yes, students will be given a certificate on successful completion of the programme, provided all sessions are attended and there has been desirable participation by the student. Upon receipt of your certificate, please save it securely for your use later on. However, if you happen to lose it, a second copy of the certificate will be provided which will be chargeable for a sum of Rs. 500/-
5) Will attending the programme increase my chances of getting admission to the undergraduate programme at Ashoka University?
Attending the programme will give you an insight on liberal arts & sciences education and the Ashoka pedagogy. This will surely help you with your undergraduate application form at Ashoka University. However, this does not guarantee admission to the Ashoka UG programme.
Programme Dates
Edition 1: May 19–23, 2025
Edition 2: June 2–6, 2025
🔁 Choose Your Schedule:
Both editions offer the same transformative learning experience, allowing you to select the dates that work best for you.
Programme Duration
5-Day Certified Programme
Eligibility
1. Open to high school students from India and worldwide.
2. Students must be in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 in May or June 2025.
3. Students who have recently completed Class 12 and have taken their board exams are also eligible.
4. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, as it will be the programme’s medium of instruction.
Although I’ve highlighted just one session, the entire day, spanning three sessions led by the professor, was truly inspiring! It motivated me to explore the possibility of starting an NGO in my city to make a positive impact and help others.
Sahhas Sudhakar, What is a Social Enterprise? (YSP ELI, now EBL), Grade 11, The Indian Public School, Chennai
The session featured a screening of the ‘Sundarbans’ documentary. As someone passionate about sustainability and the impact of our choices on the environment, I thoroughly enjoyed it and gained new insights. A key takeaway for me was that nature always gives back and protects us, as long as we respect and don’t exploit it.
