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Shaping Future Thinkers
YSP EPG Advanced (YSP Foundation Programme + YSP Economics, Policy, and Governance) is a certified, immersive two-week residential programme tailored for ambitious high school students entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. The programme is designed to build a strong foundation in interdisciplinary thinking while providing in-depth exposure to the intersecting fields of economics, policy, and governance.
The YSP EPG Advanced experience aims at preparing our scholars for an impactful career in policy, governance, and administration. Students attend sessions on Social Anthropology, Literature, International Relations, Economic Data Analysis, History and Environmental Studies, gaining an unparalleled understanding of the social, economic and political world we live in. Its focus on diverse thinking styles, such as design thinking, quantitative analysis, and 21st century skills such as leadership, collaboration, and effective communication helps students approach complex governance challenges from multiple perspectives, enabling them to craft well-rounded, effective solutions. We cover fields like macroeconomics, political science, law, digital humanities, behavioral economics, policy analysis, sociology, technology, ethics, public administration, international relations, data science, philosophy, and cognitive sciences, giving students a wide and deep immersion into multiple perspectives. Students also attend workshops on practicing meaningful self care, exploring various learning styles, and the art of the college essay for personal development.
The programme is led by experienced faculty and seasoned practitioners, including public intellectuals such as Mr. Anil Swarup and economists such as Prof. Ashwini Deshpande and Prof. Bhaskar Dutta. Students also engage with notable policy research organizations like the Centre for Civil Society and participate in sessions with Ashoka’s Economics Society, as well as other domain experts like Prof. Swargajyoti Gohain and Prof. Rudrangshu Mukherjee and drive social change.
Academic and Practical Foundations in Governance & Interdisciplinary Thinking
YSP EPG Advanced provides a comprehensive approach that blends interdisciplinary thinking with core principles in economics and governance. Students explore how fields like political science, sociology, and law intersect with economic and policy considerations, equipping them to think critically about issues such as fiscal policy, governance structures, and ethical decision-making. This experience provides students with an understanding of how economic frameworks and governance theories guide decision-making and social change, enabling them to thoughtfully approach global challenges. Students may work on solving a societal challenge, such as universal access to education in India and will be encouraged to use insights from gender studies, sociology, political science and economic data modelling to solve the problem.
Policy-Minded and Solution-Oriented Thinking
The programme fosters a creative, critical and collaborative mindset, encouraging students to approach real-world issues with analytical rigor and a solution-oriented perspective. Through dialogic sessions and moderated discussions, participants gain respect for diverse viewpoints, learning to approach challenges in governance with a balanced, equitable mindset. By exploring contemporary and contentious topics like the ethical implications of data privacy, the balancing act of infrastructure development versus environmental preservation, and the societal impacts of economic policies, students develop the skills to analyze, question, and contribute to meaningful policy debates.
Core Questions and Critical Reflections
In YSP EPG Advanced, students engage deeply with pivotal questions that shape today’s world: How does the intricate movement of macroeconomics influence the decisions made by politicians? What’s the story behind the policies that govern our online lives? Do they safeguard our freedoms or veer into the realm of censorship? Who controls our data from varied social media apps, and why is it necessary to protect it? Who gets to decide between the march of infrastructural progress and the preservation of indigenous land practices? And, as most parts of the world witness a drop in temperature, let’s also ask why the capital of India becomes shrouded in smog for a couple of months. What’s causing this annual phenomenon, and what can be done to clear the air?
Through YSP EPG Advanced, students gain invaluable insight into the interconnected worlds of economics, policy, and governance, preparing them to navigate the complexities of leadership and policy-making with integrity and informed perspective.
Hands-on Projects at YSP EPG Advanced (YSP Foundation Programme + YSP Economics, Policy, and Governance)
YSP EPG Advanced goes beyond academic theory by emphasizing experiential, hands-on learning through tailored workshops that cultivate essential 21st-century and critical thinking skills. The programme includes collaborative group projects, historical case studies, and debate sessions designed to build teamwork, analytical abilities, and effective communication. Students attend policy drafting simulations, data-driven decision-making exercises, and collaborative problem-solving sessions, reflecting the dynamic environment of policy think tanks. From policy analysis and effective communication to strategic planning, students will explore skills and methods applicable across disciplines and careers.
These immersive activities extend to diverse fields such as economics, psychology, behavioral sciences, and geography, challenging students to apply interdisciplinary insights to issues in governance and policy-making. By the end of the 2-week programme, scholars will have a nuanced understanding of global and local issues, equipped with the skills to lead, analyze, and innovate within their communities and beyond.
📢 Applications for YSP 2025 are now open with a deadline of April 20th, 2025.
With limited seats and rolling admissions, apply early to secure your spot.
Knowledge:
-Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of foundational liberal arts disciplines, including literature, history, science, economics, and philosophy and develop an understanding of the principles of governance and economics, such as fiscal policies, market dynamics, and the role of political institutions.
-Students will develop an understanding of how interdisciplinary thinking across liberal arts, economics, and governance can address complex real-world challenges, particularly in policy-making and governance.
-Students will explore the foundations of critical inquiry, learning to ask meaningful and probing questions that drive both academic growth and policy decisions.
-Ethical decision-making will be a key focus, as students gain insights into the sociopolitical factors driving societal changes, such as social equity and justice, and understand the responsibilities involved in making decisions that affect communities globally.
Skills:
-Students will enhance their ability to critically analyze texts, ideas, economic theories, and government policies from multiple perspectives, developing the skills needed for in-depth evaluation of governance and economic policies and understanding their societal implications.
-They will improve their written and verbal communication skills, learning to clearly and persuasively express complex ideas in academic discussions, policy proposals, and ensuring informed decision-making.
-Through hands-on projects and simulations, students will acquire the ability to draft, analyze, and critique policies, learning the multifaceted considerations involved in effective policy-making and governance.
-Students will engage in interdisciplinary problem-solving, applying knowledge from liberal arts, economics, and governance to tackle real-world challenges, while developing leadership and collaboration skills by working in teams and delegating responsibilities effectively.
-Data analysis skills will be developed as students learn to interpret and apply statistical information to address economic and social issues, using real-world case studies to inform their problem-solving approach.
Attitude:
-Students will cultivate intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, fostering a love for learning that spans across disciplines and an appreciation for diverse perspectives and ideas.
-Through group discussions and collaborative projects, students will develop strong collaborative skills, learning to work with diverse viewpoints to design impactful solutions to pressing challenges in policy-making environments.
-They will adopt an ethical mindset, understanding the social and moral responsibilities in governance and policy-making, and will approach these challenges with integrity and fairness.
-Students will develop an open-minded approach toward global governance challenges, as they recognize the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives to formulate policies that promote social equity and justice.
–Applications:
-Students will apply interdisciplinary knowledge from liberal arts, economics, and governance to address real-world issues, understanding how different fields contribute to solving societal, environmental, and economic challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality, and climate change.
-Students will apply communication and presentation skills by delivering policy proposals or public presentations, effectively conveying their ideas to academic audiences, stakeholders, or governance bodies.
-By applying the knowledge and skills gained, students will better understand their academic interests and potential career paths in governance, economics, and related fields, enabling them to make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
Delve into what makes the world around us as you explore the building blocks of the life you inhabit. In the YSP EPG Advanced students will explore the vast expanse of economics, from microeconomic principles like Supply and Demand, to macroeconomic concepts such as Inflation, Fiscal Policy, and Global Trade. Sample topics include The Role of Government in Economic Development, where students will examine how fiscal and monetary policies influence national growth; Public Policy and Social Equity, exploring how policies can address inequalities in education, health, and income distribution; Global Governance and Climate Change, analyzing international collaborations on environmental challenges; and Data-Driven Policy-Making, where students will learn how to use data analysis to inform policy decisions. They will also delve into Behavioral Economics, examining the psychological factors that influence economic decision-making.
By understanding the multifaceted nature of economics and its interplay with sociology, data analysis, environmental studies, and international relations, students will gain a richer perspective on the complexities of policy-making. Topics such as Sustainability and Economic Growth, Public Policy for Social Equity, and International Relations and Global Governance will ensure that scholars appreciate the interconnectedness of disciplines, fostering critical thinking and innovative approaches to solving societal challenges.
The two-week residential YSP EPG Advanced immerses students in interdisciplinary faculty sessions that delve into the complexities of economics, policy-making, governance, and their relationships with social, cultural, and global issues.
A typical day starts off with faculty-led sessions after which 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 EPG Advanced is given below:
YSP EPG Advanced Programme Schedule1) What is Young Scholars Programme: EPG Advanced (YSP Foundation Programme + YSP Economics, Policy, and Governance)?
YSP EPG Advanced (YSP Foundation Programme + YSP Economics, Policy, and Governance) is a certified, immersive two-week residential programme tailored for ambitious high school students entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. The programme is designed to build a strong foundation in Liberal Arts & Sciences while providing in-depth exposure to the intersecting fields of economics, policy, and governance. Combining theoretical insights with hands-on experiences, YSP Advanced (YSP FP + YSP EPG) emphasizes 21st-century skills and critical thinking to prepare students for impactful careers in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
2) Is Young Scholars Programme: EPG Advanced, an online or offline event?
Young Scholars Programme: EPG Advanced is a two-week 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.
The session was fascinating, as it introduced us to a discipline rarely covered in typical school settings. This exposure provided valuable insights into new fields of study and broadened our perspectives.
Ms. Pia Bakshi taught us about the ways we remember people and demonstrated how we can interpret personal stories through monuments and keepsakes. It was an insightful experience that deepened our understanding of memory and legacy.
