Youth Fellowship: Young Researchers for Social Impact
About the Social Impact Fellowship for Students
Young Researchers for Social Impact Fellowship for Students by YLAC is a month-long online program designed specifically for talented high school students in Class 10 to Class 12. It is organized by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), an organization focused on empowering young individuals, teens & high school students to create a positive social impact.
Program for Students Description
The Online Fellowship for Students aims to immerse students in research projects with YLAC's partner organizations. Selected High School Students undergo a rigorous training and mentorship program over five weeks, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The fellowship equips students with the necessary research and advocacy tools to address pressing societal issues.
Project Areas in this Fellowship for Teens
The fellowship projects cover a wide range of contemporary issues, including environment, gender, education, global health, and governance. Students actively contribute to research efforts, assisting YLAC's partner organizations in addressing specific research questions. Notable partner organizations include Our Democracy, Teach for India, Breakthrough, Sangath, Haiyya, Indian School of Democracy, Lung Care Foundation, World Resources Institute, and Nipman Foundation, among others.
Structure and Engagement for this Fellowship
- Skill & Learning sessions: High School Students (Fellows) participate in weekly sessions to acquire relevant skills that inform their projects.
- Team meetings and project work: Students engage with their project groups and receive guidance from YLAC mentors to guide their work.
- Mid-week office hours: Students have access to office hours with YLAC mentors to ensure project deliverables are on track.
- Individual work: Students continue to work remotely on their individual research and writing tasks.
Time Commitment in this Fellowship
On average, students (fellows) are expected to dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to the fellowship. As the sessions are conducted outside school hours, primarily on weekends, the program is easily manageable alongside school commitments.
Evaluation and Graduation Requirements in this Research Fellowship & Social Impact Fellowship
Attendance at program sessions is mandatory, and project work is closely supervised to maintain high quality. Teams receive detailed feedback and guidance throughout the process. To graduate from the program, high school students must regularly attend sessions, actively contribute to class discussions, and successfully complete their assigned project work to the satisfaction of mentors and clients. YLAC provides a graded certificate highlighting the project worked on.
Impact and Recognition in this Research Fellowship
The YRSI program was launched in 2020 during the pandemic-induced lockdown, successfully blending self-learning and remote collaboration. It has received an overwhelming response from students and has become a flagship engagement in YLAC's portfolio. Previous cohorts have worked on impactful research questions, such as electoral funding reform, social media's impact on mental health, remote learning effectiveness, climate justice, and breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
Eligibility and Application for this Social Impact Fellowship
The research fellowship is open to high school students studying in grades 10th to 12th, aged 18 or below. Students entering 10th grade or those who have recently completed their 12th-grade exams are also eligible. There are no specific prerequisites, and selection is based on the student's responses in a short application form.
Duration and Workload for this Social Impact Research
The program spans five weeks, with sessions held on both Saturdays and Sundays during the first and last weekends. In the intervening weeks, sessions take place only on Sundays to accommodate school constraints. Additionally, mid-week office hours are available for students to seek guidance from mentors. Students are expected to dedicate 10-12 hours per week to individual research and writing tasks.
Benefits and Opportunities in this Online Fellowship
Participating in the YRSI fellowship offers numerous benefits for students, including:
- Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Engaging in research and advocacy on social issues
- Building a network of motivated peers
- Strengthening their profile and resume
- Exploring opportunities for higher education
Conclusion for this Research Fellowship
The Young Researchers for Social Impact Research Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for high school students and teenagers to contribute to meaningful research projects alongside renowned social impact organizations while creating social impact. It offers personalized mentorship and a chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals, fostering leadership skills and creating a pathway for future social ventures. If you are a motivated teenager looking to make a positive change, the YRSI fellowship is an ideal platform to enhance your skills and create an impact through research and advocacy.
