Young Scholars Programme: Foundation Programme
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Experience the Best of Ashoka University
The Young Scholars Programme– Foundation Programme (YSP FP) is a certified five-day residential summer programme designed for high school students (entering grades 9–12). It introduces high schoolers to the best of Ashoka University’s Liberal Arts & Sciences pedagogy. As the flagship offering, YSP FP equips students with the tools to excel academically, professionally, and personally in a fast-changing world where adaptability and interdisciplinary thinking are crucial.
The Future of Jobs report released by the World Economic Forum foregrounds the need to go beyond subject matter expertise to truly succeed in the 21st- century world-
As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another, the ability to adapt, reskill, and upskill will not just be beneficial; it will be essential.
YSP FP recognises and addresses this need and gives truly ambitious high schoolers an opportunity to experience knowledge beyond the usual boundaries of disciplines and subjects. The YSP Foundation Programme offers a rich and diverse curriculum that brings together multiple disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience. Students will delve into foundational subjects such as Literature, History, Neurosciences & Psychology, Philosophy & ethics, Scientific principles and Environmental studies. In addition, the programme introduces students to specialized thinking styles like quantitative thinking, contextual thinking, etc. Through hands-on workshops scholars also gain crucial 21st-century skills including media and technology literacy, creative problem-solving, impactful writing and entrepreneurial mindset development. They will also learn the ability to apply structured problem-solving frameworks like Design Thinking and Computational Thinking across diverse domains to systematically understand and solve complex real-world challenges.
Trans- and Interdisciplinary Learning
Master Transferable Skills for Every Discipline & Industry
Develop versatile, interdisciplinary competencies to thrive in an interconnected and rapidly evolving world:
Preparation for a Lifetime of Success
Getting prepared for the 21st century with YSP FP
The five transformative days of YSP FP inspire students to cultivate a keen eye for detail, appreciate nuance, and master the art of connecting the dots. 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 working with AI and LLMs, research ethics 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. Our 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.
Hands on projects at YSP Foundation Programme
The programme 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.
📢 Extended Application Deadline is April 25, 2025.
With limited seats and rolling admissions, apply early to secure your spot.
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.
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.
| Faculty Lectures | Crafted to allow students to dive deep into a wide expanse of disciplines, and appreciate the interdisciplinary approach to learning, our faculty lectures focus on interdisciplinary and diverse areas. For example, students are introduced to the utility of a literary character like Mowgli, and how his story throws light on historical realities and perspectives surrounding colonialism, the white man’s burden, and exoticism. Along with this, students will also discover what is up and coming in the Sciences, like the transformative abilities of Data Modelling and the revolution it’s creating in Healthcare Economics, and making health accessible to a larger populace |
| 21st Century Skills Workshops | Beyond academics, YSP Foundation offers hands-on experiential learning, where scholars acquire skills necessary and relevant to thrive in our times. These workshops are designed to challenge scholars and view problem areas through a kaleidoscope of perspectives. Not just this, they acquire skills to think creatively in our specially crafted Writing Modules, where they practice writing across varied forms. Additionally, they are also exposed to other skills like empathy, creativity, problem-solving abilities through workshops on areas like Design Thinking, Art of Debating, among many others. |
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:
YSP Foundation Programme Schedule
1) What is The Young Scholars Programme- Foundation Programme (YSP FP)?
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.
2) How is YSP FP distinct from other YSPs?
The YSP Foundation Programme stands apart from other YSP offerings by providing a comprehensive introduction to foundational disciplines across the Liberal Arts and Sciences. It also equips scholars with essential 21st-century skills, creating a truly unique and enriching experience. Students who wish to apply for the YSP Advanced Programme (Foundation Programme with either Entrepreneurship, Business, and Leadership (YSP EBL) or Economics, Policy, and Governance (YSP EPG)) will have to apply using a separate application form.
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 YSP Foundation 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.
Astronomy was a completely new subject for me, and I was captivated by the insights into the formation of the universe and its many components. I was amazed by the depth of knowledge shared with us.
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.
Astronomy was a completely new subject for me, and I was captivated by the insights into the formation of the universe and its many components. I was amazed by the depth of knowledge shared with us.
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.
Astronomy was a completely new subject for me, and I was captivated by the insights into the formation of the universe and its many components. I was amazed by the depth of knowledge shared with us.
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.
