YSP Foundation Programme

Young Scholars Programme: Foundation Programme

Offering students the best of Ashoka across disciplines & skills

The Young Scholars Programme- Foundation Programme (YSP FP), a certified five-day residential summer programme, offers high schoolers  (entering grades 9-12), is an introduction to the best of Ashoka and a global Liberal Arts & Sciences pedagogy including foundational disciplines, critical thinking & 21st century skill workshops. Tailored especially for ambitious high-schoolers, hungry for college-level academic rigour, and  looking to develop a comprehensive understanding of foundational disciplines and skills. 

The YSP FP is the perfect bridge between theoretical learning at the school level and  experiential learning at a leading university and a recommended must-do for students irrespective of the disciplines they plan to pursue and the career choices they may make.  

It is designed to offer three unique outcomes through the five-day experience: 

1) Building foundational knowledge and a nuanced understanding of our world:

Each of the YSP Foundation programme sessions are inherently fundamental, relevant to all high schoolers, irrespective of  their subject preferences in college or career pathways. This foundational and nuanced knowledge will be a cornerstone for students to understand the world around them more comprehensively and will be a stepping stone to any disciplines they study in the future. Students will dive into the treasure trove of the Greatest Books of our  times, or traverse the Mysteries of Indian Civilizations, delve into the fascinating worlds of Scientific Principles or understand Human Behaviour better. With this strong and comprehensive foundation in core disciplines, scholars will be equipped to connect the dots across disciplines and craft fresh perspectives that set them apart. 

2) Introducing students to the foundations of thought & nurturing intellectual curiosity: 

At the YSP Foundation Programme, we teach you to think about what your textbooks cannot. Explore the art of critical thinking and analysing as you engage in inspiring conversations that challenge your mind. Learn how to apply thought to reality and solve real-world problems. During the programme, you will get an exposure to multiple styles of thinking such as mathematical and quantitative thinking, design thinking and creativity, computational reasoning etc. Here, we believe in staying true to the Ashokan spirit of critical inquiry by making young scholars ready to embrace critical inquiry, analysis and argumentation in their writing, discussion, and life! 

3) Developing critical 21st century skills through dialogic sessions & hands-on modules: 

Experience the heart of our flagship programme in thoughtfully designed workshops and hands-on sessions  tailored to cultivate foundational understanding across disciplines. 21st century skill workshops will prepare  students for tomorrow in areas like leadership skills, understanding group dynamics, collaboration, writing  persuasively, or building an entrepreneurial mindset. Learn the most relevant skills for the future with interactive,  hands-on sessions and prepare yourself for the opportunities of tomorrow with resilience and adaptability in the  face of a changing professional landscape. 

The YSP Foundation Programme includes an Inspiring Speaker Series where students meet academicians, researchers and industry leaders at the forefront of their respective fields. These interactions, planned as dialogic sessions, help students find and get the inspiration they need to excel in their life and the insights they need to plan their career and life ahead. 

Getting prepared for the 21st century with YSP FP

In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to think critically, adapt, and engage with diverse perspectives is more crucial than ever. The YSP Foundation Programme is designed to equip young scholars with the foundational skills needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum that spans the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, students are introduced to the power of liberal arts education. By learning how to connect ideas across different fields, scholars are prepared to tackle global challenges with creativity, intellectual rigor, and ethical responsibility. Students attend hands-on workshops on relevant and futuristic skills such as computational thinking, design thinking and the art of abstract thinking that gives them a clear edge over their peers.

At Ashoka, we believe that education should go beyond subject mastery; it should foster a spirit of inquiry and a lifelong love for learning. The YSP Foundation Programme encourages students to think independently, engage in meaningful discussions, and apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Whether it’s through project-based learning or collaborative group work, scholars will leave the programme with the confidence to make informed decisions, think critically, and lead with purpose in an ever-changing world.

Beyond academic enrichment, YSP FP offers a holistic college experience. Scholars reside in student dormitories, savor meals at Ashoka’s diverse dining facilities, engage in sports activities and activities such as Talent Night, Networking Night, Quizzes, Debates and so on. Our scholars forge lasting bonds with like-minded peers from across India and the globe. It’s an immersive journey into the world of technology, data sciences and computer sciences, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.

Programme dates

May 19- 23, 2025 (Edition 1) OR June 2- 6, 2025 (Edition 2)

Register your interest in YSP 2025 by filling this form. Applications for YSP 2025 open on November 30, 2024 at 11 AM.

Hands on projects at YSP Foundation Programme

The YSP Foundation Programme offers more than just academic exploration. It emphasises hands-on experiential learning,  complemented by specialised workshops focusing on essential 21st-century and critical thinking skills. These  workshops, led by seasoned practitioners and industry leaders, provide scholars with invaluable insights directly  from those at the forefront of their fields. From Design Thinking and Creativity to The Art of College Essay, from Building Resilience to Developing Your Unique Learning Style, you will get to attend sessions to build these foundational skills relevant for any disciplines or careers you may choose. 

Designed thoughtfully to develop holistic skills which transcend disciplinary boundaries, our workshops are  crafted to shape scholars to become leaders as they put theoretical understanding to actual play as they solve  modern problems.

YSP Advanced- Combining YSP Foundation Programme + YSP EPG OR YSP Foundation Programme + YSP EBL

Students are encouraged to apply for a 2-week YSP Advanced certification combining YSP Foundation Programme (week 1) with YSP EPG (week 2) OR YSP Foundation Programme (week 1) with YSP EBL (week 2). The Advanced programme allows students to get a comprehensive introduction to the best of Ashoka and a global Liberal Arts & Sciences pedagogy and a nuanced exposure to concepts and applications in their chosen programme for week 2.

In the Advanced programme, students will explore foundational disciplines, attend critical thinking and 21st-century skills workshops and participate in policy making workshops and collaborative activities such as youth parliament or participate in leadership & business development simulations. They will gain both conceptual and practical knowledge about the workings of the world around them and the ways in which they can shape and change it. 

YSP Advanced Dates

May 19- 30, 2025 (Edition 1) OR June 2- 13, 2025 (Edition 2)

Faculty

The Programme’s Faculty seminars are led by Ashoka’s global faculty, industry experts, leaders of today, and prominent personalities. Through a diverse and interdisciplinary pedagogical model, students are empowered to address global challenges. They’ll engage with stalwarts in their fields, applying an inter- & transdisciplinary and experiential learning approach to contemporary innovations.

Sample Inspiring Speakers

Students attending the YSP Foundation Programme get an opportunity to engage with industry leaders, academicians and counsellors in Open House Sessions, bringing real-world perspectives to enable better decision making on subjects, colleges and career pathways.

Sample topics

Under the mentorship of Ashoka’s global faculty, young scholars will traverse a interdisciplinary landscape,  exploring subjects from Literature, Psychology, International Relations, and Environmental Studies to Applied &  Behavioural Sciences, including Data & Computer Sciences, Biology, Astrophysics. This holistic approach allows  students to think critically to navigate the wide world of interdisciplinary learning. Exploring the relationship  between sustainability and politics, or the combination of computers and social sciences, scholars have an opportunity to ask diverse and relevant questions and learn about how they can be answered meaningfully.

Join us at the YSP Foundation Programme, where academic exploration meets skill development, preparing scholars for a promising future.  

Programme Schedule

A day at our flagship programme, the YSP Foundation Programme, starts off with faculty-led sessions that allow students to dive deeper into the multi-faceted world of liberal arts and sciences. Students then find themselves in our workshops which are designed to function as an exciting and interactive space for students to become products of their learnings. 

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 Foundation Programme is given below:

*tentative schedule, subject to change

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

-Students will gain an introduction to the foundational understanding of Liberal Arts and Sciences, exploring various disciplines such as literature, history, science, economics, and philosophy, and understanding how they interconnect.
-Students will develop an understanding of how interdisciplinary thinking can solve complex real-world problems, learning to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields.
-Students will explore the foundations of critical inquiry, discovering how to ask meaningful questions that drive academic and personal growth.
-Students will learn about the role of ethical considerations in both personal and academic decision-making, fostering a sense of responsibility in their work and ideas.

Skills:

-Students will enhance their ability to critically analyze texts, ideas, and arguments from multiple perspectives, developing the skills needed for deeper academic inquiry and analysis.
-Students will improve their written and verbal communication skills, learning how to express complex ideas clearly and persuasively in academic discussions, essays, and presentations.
-Students will engage in projects that require interdisciplinary problem-solving and the application of knowledge from different disciplines, learning to approach challenges with creativity and adaptability.
-Students will develop research skills, including how to formulate questions, gather data, analyze information, and present their findings in a structured and coherent manner.

Attitude:

-Students will cultivate an intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, fostering a love for learning and an openness to new ideas and diverse perspectives across various disciplines.
-Through group discussions and projects, students will embrace collaboration, learning how to work effectively in teams and appreciate diverse viewpoints.
-Students will develop an ethical approach to learning and decision-making, understanding the social, moral, and academic responsibilities they carry in their communities.
-Students will develop resilience by facing academic challenges and learning how to adapt to new situations, critical for future academic and life success.

Applications:

-Students will apply interdisciplinary knowledge to address real-world issues, learning how different fields contribute to solving societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
-Students will engage in hands-on projects that reflect the liberal arts approach, combining insights from multiple disciplines to create innovative solutions or presentations.
-Students will apply communication and presentation skills by delivering talks, debates, or visual presentations on various academic and personal topics, learning to convey their ideas clearly to different audiences.
-Students will apply the knowledge and skills gained to better understand their academic interests, potential career paths, and how to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional journeys.