Do you wish to bring about change in the society, involve yourself in the top decision-making process, or want to educate to kids from deprived backgrounds? Secure one among these five fellowship programs which guide youngsters who have the determination to implement path-breaking ideas.
The selection is based on applications, phone and/or personal interviews. At each stage, the aspirant should be able to convince the interviewers why he or she is seeking the fellowship. With proper preparations, these fellowships can be well within reach of ambitious young minds.
The selection is based on an application, phone interview and personal meeting. At each stage, the aspirant should be able to convince the interviewers why he or she is seeking the fellowship. By proper preparations, the fellowships will be within reach.
1) Azim Premji Fellowship
This fellowship is aimed at supporting students and teachers in rural areas overcome their problems. The monthly stipend is Rs 35,000.
Duration: One year.
Eligibility: Master’s or a professional degree. Job experience of 4-10 years is compulsory. Apart from English, any one of the following languages should be known to the candidate: Hindi/ Tamil/ Kannada.
Age limit: 35 years.
Time to apply: October – November
Website: www.azimpremjifoundation.org, fellowship@azimpremjifoundation.org
2) Teach for India
The fellowship offered by Teach for India is a good opportunity to provide quality education for students hailing from deprived social and economic backgrounds. Teach for India also offers a host of projects which are aimed at social uplift of the students. The monthly stipend amounts to Rs 19,000 and an accommodation allowance of Rs 5,500-10,000.
Duration: Two years.
Eligibility: Any degree and fluency in English.
Time to apply: By March 24. Applications can be submitted in February, September, October and December also.
Website: www.teachforindia.org
3) The Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament (LAMP) fellowship
By being selected for this fellowship, a youngster can gain experience in Parliamentary procedures and drafting of legislations by working with Parliament members. The fellowship, offered by PRS Legislative Research, a collective of researchers, opens a host of opportunities for the selected candidates.
The monthly stipend is Rs 20,000.
Eligibility: Degree.
Age limit: 25 years.
Duration: From the Monsoon Session of Parliament to Budget Session.
Time to apply: December-January
Website: www.prsindia.org
4) Gandhi Fellowship
Youths wishing for social change and have the resolve to make it a reality can opt for the Gandhi Fellowship offered by Piramal School of Leadership. The stipend is Rs 14,000 a month. In addition, Rs 600 will be granted as phone allowance every month.
Duration: Two years.
Eligibility: Degree or post-graduation.
Age limit: 26 years.
Time to apply: Till March 31.
Website: www.gandhifellowship.org
5) Youth for India
If you are throbbing with ideas that could make a difference to rural life and are willing to work with voluntary organisations engaged in this effort, choose this fellowship offered by State Bank of India.
Stipend is Rs 15,000 a month along with Rs 1,000 as travel allowance. On successful completion of the fellowship, an additional Rs 30,000 will be granted to the candidates. An extra benefit is health insurance coverage.
Advantages of a fellowship
a) Fellowship life helps youths adapt to challenging social situations.
b) It improves leadership qualities, communication skills and time management.
c) Networking is a major benefit of a fellowship. Contacts with people belonging to various sectors would later help secure a good job and also while starting an own venture.
d) It adds weight to the resume.
(Information courtesy: Elizabeth Samuel, Course designer, Teach for India)