YTF Summer School Programme attracts students from 7 states
Shiv Nadar University's award-winning Young Thinkers Forum (YFT) Summer School Programme 2024 held from June 1-7 attracted over 90 students from grades 8 to 12th from 35+ schools across seven states.
The week-long program involved students in multidisciplinary sessions on creative writing, data science, mathematics, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. College students provided mentorship through vertical tutoring. Interactive multimedia sessions and discussion groups promoted critical thinking.
The program offered students a range of recreational activities, including daily sports and yoga sessions, a guided tour of a biodiversity park, cultural activities, and visits to Moolgyan, an organic farm, and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for the students.
Vinnie Mathur, Chair of the Young Thinkers Forum said, “Building on the tremendous success of our previously held Winter School Program, we are eagerly anticipating the upcoming 7-Day residential Summer School Program. The winter program exceeded our expectations, with students demonstrating remarkable growth, enthusiasm, and a deepened passion for learning. This summer, we aim to elevate the experience even further by offering an expanded curriculum and a wider array of activities. Our carefully curated curriculum and activities are designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering both academic growth and personal development. We are confident that this program will provide an invaluable opportunity for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and create lasting memories.”
Recently, the Young Thinkers Forum was honoured with the prestigious “2024 Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) Recognition of Merit Award” in the “Excellence in Innovative Practices” category. The annual National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) conference hosted at Qatar University, Doha recognised the Young Thinkers Forum’s commitment to excellence and its outstanding contribution to innovative practices in student development. The Young Thinkers Forum at Shiv Nadar University epitomizes a holistic approach to student empowerment and growth. The summer school program aims to cultivate collaboration and teamwork amongst school students.
Anaaya Khurana, student of Vasant Valley School, Delhi said, “It was a unique and enriching experience providing opportunities for academic growth, skill development, and social interaction in a relaxed and engaging environment. The teachers and volunteers were incredibly dedicated, patient and fostered a supportive atmosphere, ensuring that students thrive both academically and personally. The diverse range of courses and activities allowed us to explore new interests and expand our horizons. Apart from such engaging activities, the campus atmosphere was beautiful and extremely tranquil. Surrounded by flora and fauna, living on campus was a truly wonderful experience. Additionally, the friendships forged over the course of this one week have been so truly heartwarming. The SNU YTF summer program has enriched me with memories and learning experiences worth a lifetime. I am forever grateful to have been a part of this beautiful journey.”
During the program students engaged in over 20 multidisciplinary sessions, including creative writing, data science, mathematics, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. High school students received mentorship from college students through vertical tutoring to enhance peer-to-peer learning. Faculty members of the university delivered expert presentations on various subjects to foster a deeper understanding of complex topics and interactive multimedia sessions and discussion groups were organised to promote critical thinking.
Kartik Nair, a student of Gyanshree School, Noida said, “This was my second Young Thinker’s Forum experience on this beautiful campus. I was here for the Winter School earlier this year. Besides the friendly atmosphere to learn and meet new people, this experience has made me extremely interested in science. Our lab visits were wonderful, and of course, I loved riding the graceful horse on the campus.”