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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 are passionate about leading change and addressing global challenges. YSP ILT focuses on the principles of leadership, critical inquiry, and sustained social impact, aiming to nurture the changemakers of tomorrow. This programme aims to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to drive change, both individually and collectively.
Some key aspects of the YSP ILT include:
Under the mentorship of esteemed faculty members, including Prof. Mahesh Rangarajan, Prof. Mitul Baruah, Prof. Swargajyoti Gohain, and public intellectuals like Mr. Anil Swarup, Anu Prasad, along with think tanks such as the Centre for Civil Society, and research centers at Ashoka University like the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP), Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (3CS), and the Centre for Social and Behavior Change (CSBC), students will explore innovative solutions and lessons from successful policies.
Navigating the challenges of Social Change
Addressing issues like educational inequality, healthcare access, and sustainability requires both policy interventions and grassroots efforts. However, measuring the success of these interventions and determining what defines meaningful change can be complex.
Through analysis and real-world case studies, students will explore:
Leadership for a better Tomorrow
YSP ILT offers students the opportunity to explore key topics in transformative change, including:
Real-world case studies include:
YSP ILT prepares students for future roles across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on social enterprise, economic development, healthcare, public policy, and sustainability. Its interdisciplinary approach enables students to not only understand complex societal challenges but also design and implement lasting solutions.
Hands-on Projects at YSP ILT
Beyond theoretical insights, YSP ILT emphasizes actionable skills. Students will learn frameworks like Human-Centered Design and Systems Thinking to approach problems innovatively. In teams, they will work under the mentorship of Ashoka faculty and industry experts to tackle critical societal challenges such as urban poverty, environmental degradation, and educational access.
Projects also include focusing on Monitoring and Evaluating (M&E) social initiatives. Students will learn to design measurable impact frameworks, identify key performance indicators, and critically analyze whether their solutions are addressing root causes or merely symptoms of systemic issues. This hands-on experience refines problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and communication skills
Building a collaborative community of Young Leaders
YSP ILT offers students the ‘ultimate’ campus experience, where they will 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 meaningful connections, promote interdisciplinary thinking, and help build a network of young changemakers.
Ready to lead Change?
This programme goes beyond teaching leadership, it cultivates a lifelong dedication to creating positive change. By promoting interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, and empathy, YSP ILT empowers students to leave with not just knowledge, but with the confidence and commitment to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Applications for summer 2025 are now closed. Register Interest for the upcoming cycle by clicking on the button below.
REGISTER INTEREST–
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Knowledge
– 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.
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.
A sample schedule for the YSP ILT is given below:
YSP ILT Programme Schedule
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.
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.
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.
