High School Achievers

 
The High School Achievers program (HSA) is a one-of-a-kind leadership program for India’s most promising students to help them become active agents of change in society.
 
Designed as a week long summer bootcamp for grades 9th to 12th, HSA is YLAC’s attempt to create a platform for young adults to discover their true potential. We do this by helping students explore different perspectives, understand identity and privilege, build critical thinking skills and acquire tools to become effective leaders.
 
As the first-ever initiative under the YLAC umbrella, HSA was launched from Delhi in 2016 and has since expanded to other cities. It is a highly selective program that receives outstanding applications from a large number of very talented and passionate students. Sessions engage students in intriguing debates in philosophy, political science, sociology and economics, and help explore the interconnected nature of knowledge, all the while using a participatory and experiential pedagogy that makes learning fun.
 
Applications to the 2024 editions of the program are now open. Please follow the links below to see details and apply.
 
See:   Cities   |   Schedule   |   Selection Process & Deadlines   |   Fees & Scholarships   |   Previous Editions   |   Eligibility & FAQs   |   Applications
 


 

2024 Editions

 

Bengaluru

19th – 26th May

Bangalore International Centre
Domlur

Delhi

2nd – 9th Jun

Zorba the Buddha
near Ghitorni metro station

 


 

Detailed Schedule

Identity and Privilege

Sunday Day 1



Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Who are you? How have your personal experiences shaped the way you perceive the world? Do you recognize your privileges?

Equality and Justice

Monday Day 2



Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Why are there so many disparities around us? What should a ‘just’ society entail?

Field Visit

Tuesday Day 3

Venue: To be decided
Time: First half of the day

Democracy, Constitution and the Government

Wednesday Day 4



Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Why did humans get together to form the government? What role does it play in shaping society and how can you engage with it?

Break

Thursday Day 5

Tools of Advocacy

Friday Day 6



Time: 10 am to 5 pm

What can you do to make other people care? How should you build support for your cause?

Businesses and Social Good

Saturday Day 7

Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Do businesses only make profit? How do businesses move the society forward?

Group dynamics & Leadership | Closing

Sunday Day 8



Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Why do some teams deliver and others don’t? How can you channelize your energy to lead change?

See:   Cities   |   Schedule   |   Selection Process & Deadlines   |   Fees & Scholarships   |   Previous Editions   |   Eligibility & FAQs   |   Applications
 


 

Selection Process & Deadlines


 
For the High School Achievers Program, we look for talented and passionate students who wish to change the world around them. There are no prerequisites in terms of fields of study.
 

The selection process constitutes two rounds:

Round I: Written application – to be submitted via the website
Round II: In some cases. shortlisted candidates may be called for online interviews. This is an informal interaction conducted via Zoom.
 
Please mark the following dates (all Sundays) in your calendar:

Scholarships deadline: 10th March
Final deadline: 7th April (Bengaluru); 14th April (Delhi)
 
Applications to the program will be processed on a rolling basis. Typically, applicants will be informed of the admissions decision within 3-4 weeks of their candidature being filed. Some applications may be also waitlisted.
 
Candidates applying for scholarships must ensure that both their program and scholarship applications reach us on or before the first deadline – 10th March 2024. Ideally, both applications should be submitted within a week of each other.

 
See:   Cities   |   Schedule   |   Selection Process & Deadlines   |   Fees & Scholarships   |   Previous Editions   |   Eligibility & FAQs   |   Applications
 


 

Fees & Scholarships

 

Program Fee

 
Rs. 25,000 per participant (excluding GST @18%)
 
To make the program self-sustaining, we charge a fee to cover the operating costs of the program. This fee is payable only after an applicant has been selected. In addition to the cost of the program, the fee will cover lunch and refreshments during the in-class sessions. However, costs of local accommodation and travel will have to be borne by the applicants themselves. The program is not residential and applicants are expected to make their own arrangements.
 


Scholarships

 
We recognize that all deserving candidates may not have the means to fund their participation. To support such candidates, we are committed to offering need-based scholarships.
 
For the HSA program, YLAC will offer scholarships worth 50% to 100% of the program fee to the selected candidates. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must submit an additional essay explaining how they plan to use the learning from the program and why they need a scholarship to attend. They must also submit a short letter of recommendation from a teacher at school.
 
You are requested to apply for the scholarship only if you need the financial support to attend. You may apply here.
 

See:   Cities   |   Schedule   |   Selection Process & Deadlines   |   Fees & Scholarships   |   Previous Editions   |   Eligibility & FAQs   |   Applications
 


 

The Journey So Far

 

Since its launch in 2016, the High School Achievers program has attracted talented and passionate students from the best schools in the country and abroad. Not only have students learnt from the debates in class, they have expanded their understanding by interacting with an eclectic mix of speakers – policymakers, bureaucrats, professionals working with leading companies, as well as civil society members working in areas such as health and education.
 
Students from the earlier cohorts of the program have now graduated from school and are pursuing higher education from some of the best colleges in India and abroad – including Cambridge, Berkeley, Ashoka University, Yale, Delhi University etc. Several of our alumni have also launched their own initiatives to channelize their leadership skills for social change.
 
Each cohort of the program has added to the very strong community of passionate citizens that YLAC is trying to build and we hope to continue nurturing it.

 
See:   Cities   |   Schedule   |   Selection Process & Deadlines   |   Fees & Scholarships   |   Previous Editions   |   Eligibility & FAQs   |   Applications
 
 


 

Applications

 

If you think you have it in you to lead change, please submit your details along with your report card and certificates through the form here. We are looking for talented and passionate students who wish to change the world around them. There are no other prerequisites.
 

Image Source: Freepik

 
See:   Cities   |   Schedule   |   Selection Process & Deadlines   |   Fees & Scholarships   |   Previous Editions   |   Eligibility & FAQs   |   Applications
 


 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I consider joining?

The High School Achievers program is designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and explore their leadership potential. It widens their perspective by giving them exposure to liberal arts, especially debates in philosophy, political science, sociology and economics. Interactions with community members and experts give students an opportunity to directly engage with people to enhance their learning.

The broader aim of the High School Achievers program is to inspire people to think about their social context and to find their purpose in the larger society – be it in the public sector or the private. The exposure also helps students strengthen their profile, build a stronger resume and open up avenues and opportunities for higher education.

Still have questions? See this short video where the founders of YLAC speak about the High School Achievers program.

2. Am I eligible to apply?

If you are studying in grades 9th to 12th and are no more than 18 years of age, you are eligible to apply. Students who are moving into class 9th or those who have just completed their class 12th exams are also eligible.

3. What are the selection criteria?

We look for talented students who wish to change the world around them. There are no prerequisites as such. Students are selected on the basis of their responses to the questions in a short application form.

4. What is the program duration?

The overall duration of the program is one week.

5. Is the program residential?

The High School Achievers program is not designed as a residential program. Students travelling from other cities are expected to make their own stay arrangements.

In the past, we have had several students join us from other cities within the country and abroad. In such cases, students often stay in the program city with either friends or family.

6. Is there a pick-up & drop facility?

Students are expected to make their own arrangements for travel to and from the venue. At our end, we try and select program venues that are centrally located and easily accessible via public transport. Often our students pool with others travelling from their part of town. We usually help facilitate pooling once the cohort has been finalized.

7. Is HSA a conventional classroom?

Not at all! Our methodology is anything but conventional. Our teaching methods are not the usual chalk and duster lectures; we use role-plays, group exercises, peer evaluations, videos and games to make the classroom come alive.

At YLAC, we believe that learning should not be boring and we invest a lot of time and effort in making sure that we deliver on that promise! You can watch some of our student's testimonials from the previous editions here to see how they enjoyed the program.

8. Who facilitates the sessions?

The sessions are taught and facilitated by the YLAC team. During the course of the program, a number of external speakers are also invited to interact with our students, and engage with them on a range of issues and subjects.

9. What is the class size?

Typically, the class size is 40-50 students.

10. Is attendance compulsory?

Yes, attendance at the sessions is mandatory. Successful completion requires that a student not miss more than one day during the entire duration of the program. Special circumstances can be considered on a case by case basis, but approval must be sought from YLAC facilitators in advance.

11. Do I get a certificate? Are there any specific requirements for graduation?

Yes, students are given a certificate of successful completion at the end of the program. Successful completion requires regular attendance at the program as well as active and constructive participation in sessions.

Each student's contribution is closely monitored by the facilitators and this serves as an important determinant for graduation from the program. Outstanding students are also separately recognized.

12. What is the refund policy?

In case any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining the program, you can request our office to initiate the refund process. YLAC will refund 100% of your payment if the request is received 30 days before the beginning of the program. For requests received 15 days before the program, the refund amount shall be 50% of the payment received. YLAC shall not be able to issue any refunds in case the intimation reaches us at a shorter notice.

If the program is cancelled by YLAC due to unanticipated issues (such as the spread of COVID), the full fee shall be refunded.


 
 

Building Capacity to Lead Change

 
 

Critical Thinking

Empathy

Leadership

Perspective

Advocacy for Change

Civic Action & Impact