YLAC High School Achievers (HSA) Program
by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC)
Scholarships
The High School Achievers Program by YLAC is a week-long summer program for students in grades 9-12, focusing on leadership, critical thinking, and policy analysis to drive social change.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹16,520
Participation format
Individual
Duration
1 week
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18), including those transitioning into 9th grade or who have just completed 12th grade. No academic prerequisites; selection is based on application responses and potential. The program is conducted in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic prerequisites; selection is based on application responses.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Scholarship
Need-based scholarships ranging from 50% to 100% of the program fee are available for selected candidates. These scholarships are applied directly to the program fee.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation from YLAC
Participants receive a Certificate of Participation from Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) upon successful completion of the program.
Opens doors to
Provides a significant advantage for admissions to prestigious universities in India and abroad, particularly for programs in liberal arts, social sciences, and public policy. Alumni have been accepted into institutions like Cambridge, Berkeley, Ashoka University, Yale, and Delhi University.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Feb 2026
- Registration closed
- 1 May 2026
- Dates
- 3 May 2026 to 14 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Interested candidates must apply online through the YLAC website.
- 2The application involves completing a short form with detailed responses to specific questions.
- 3Shortlisted candidates may be invited for online interviews as part of the selection process.
- 4Scholarship applicants must submit an additional essay and a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must adhere to the program schedule and attend all sessions.
- Students are responsible for their own accommodation and travel arrangements to the program city and venue.
- All participants are expected to engage actively in discussions and activities.
- Scholarship applicants must submit an additional essay and a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- The program is non-residential; participants must arrange their own stay.
- Students are expected to make their own arrangements for travel to and from the venue.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The program fee is ₹14,000 per participant (excluding 18% GST). This covers the cost of the in-class sessions, including lunch and refreshments—but does not include local accommodation or travel
Financial support
YLAC offers need-based scholarships ranging from 50% to 100% of the program fee. To be considered, applicants must submit an additional essay explaining their motivation and need, along with a short letter of recommendation from a teacher. These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on demonstrated potential and financial need.
Refund policy
YLAC will refund 100% of the payment if the request is received 30 days before the program starts. For requests received 15 days before the program, a 50% refund will be issued. No refunds will be issued for intimations received at shorter notice. Full refunds will be provided if YLAC cancels the program due to unforeseen circumstances.
About this opportunity
The High School Achievers Program (HSA) is an intensive, week-long summer program designed by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) to help young adults become active agents of change in society. It aims to broaden perspectives, build critical thinking skills, and hone leadership potential through engaging debates and immersive discussions. The program encourages students to explore diverse perspectives across subjects like philosophy, political science, sociology, and economics.
This program is open to students in grades 9th to 12th, including those transitioning into 9th grade or who have just completed their 12th-grade exams, provided they are no more than 18 years of age. There are no specific academic prerequisites; selection is based on responses to questions in a short application form. In some cases, shortlisted candidates may be invited for online interviews.
Participants will gain insights into identity, privilege, and societal impact, and acquire skills necessary to tackle complex issues. The program focuses on real-world problem-solving and prepares students to think critically and act decisively. Alumni have gone on to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions and have initiated their own social impact projects.
The program is conducted in-person in major Indian cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. It is not a residential program, and students traveling from other cities are expected to make their own accommodation and travel arrangements. YLAC aims to select centrally located and easily accessible venues.
What your child will do
- Engaging debates on philosophy, political science, sociology, and economics
- Interactive sessions with community members and experts
- Hands-on activities and immersive discussions
- Exploration of identity, privilege, and societal impact
- Real-world problem-solving exercises
Mentors and faculty
Thought leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The curriculum involves interactive sessions, engaging debates, and immersive discussions on topics such as identity, privilege, equality, justice, democracy, public policy, and social impact. It includes real-world problem-solving exercises and opportunities to engage with community members and experts. The program uses a participatory and experiential pedagogy to make learning engaging and fun.
Frequently asked questions
How do students manage the time commitment of the program alongside academic responsibilities?
The program is structured as an intensive week-long summer bootcamp, specifically designed to avoid conflicts with regular school schedules. Participants are encouraged to fully immerse themselves during this period. Strategies for effective time management are often integrated into the program discussions to help individuals balance their commitments.
What are the key benefits for participants who successfully complete the program?
Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certificate of Participation from YLAC. They develop essential leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, gain valuable insights into public policy, and become part of a vibrant alumni network. These outcomes significantly enhance a student's profile for higher education and future endeavors.
How can families assess if this program aligns with a student's development goals?
Families should consider if a student demonstrates a passion for addressing societal challenges, an interest in leadership, and a desire to develop critical thinking skills. Reviewing the program's detailed curriculum, learning outcomes, and testimonials from past participants can provide valuable insights into its suitability for individual development goals.
What kind of support is available to students during the program to ensure their progress?
Participants benefit from continuous guidance provided by experienced professionals and mentors throughout the program. The interactive workshop format, engaging debates, and hands-on projects are specifically designed to offer robust support and foster a collaborative and enriching learning environment for all students.
What are the expectations for student engagement and participation during the week-long program?
Students are expected to actively engage in all sessions, contribute to discussions and debates, collaborate effectively on social impact projects, and interact meaningfully with mentors and peers. Full attendance and enthusiastic involvement are considered crucial for maximizing the overall learning experience and achieving program objectives.
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