Why YVLP?
In an effort to address the pressing challenges faced by rural youth, Tarunya Foundation conducted an extensive online survey involving over 300 young individuals from the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. The survey aimed to delve into the barriers they face in accessing quality higher education and their preparedness for entering the competitive job market.
The findings were both revealing and thought-provoking. The responses highlighted significant gaps in career guidance, socio-emotional skills, and exposure to opportunities, all of which are critical for personal and professional growth. These insights emphasized the urgent need for a structured program to address these challenges comprehensively.
Motivated by these findings, we designed and launched the Vriksham Youth Leadership Program (VYLP).
84.8 % – Quality of education and skills gained during college education is highly insufficient in preparing them for a strong career. Rote learning practices from the school continue at college level, harming their knowledge levels drastically.
60.6% – Lack of personal guidance from an early stage and limited support from the family takes away from building a vision for career growth. Most of times, decisions are made from unawareness, choicelessness or mass mindset
72% – Lack of timely awareness regarding opportunities and pathways to pursue them puts them at a disadvantage in the job market. Boys end up with meager jobs in the local geography and girls get married at an early age.
Vriksham Youth Leadership Program
The Vriksham Youth Leadership Program (VYLP) is the flagship initiative of Tarunya Foundation, created to empower rural youth in Tamil Nadu with the skills, awareness, and confidence to build meaningful careers and lead fulfilling lives. Launched in 2022, the program addresses critical systemic challenges faced by rural college students, such as limited exposure, socio-economic barriers, and foundational educational gaps. Designed for college students aged 17–23 from economically and socially marginalized communities, VYLP offers a transformative one-year journey with lifelong alumni support. Delivered through a dynamic hybrid model, the program combines online sessions, monthly in-person workshops, and immersive residential camps to ensure holistic development and sustained impact.
Objectives and Learning Goals
Program Features
Residential Exposure Camps
We conduct two residential camps (Induction and Mid-point) to give an intense in-person learning experience to our students. These camps also provide an exposure to the host organization and a new geography which greatly enhances their worldview.
Experiential Holistic Curriculum
All our modules are designed to be activity-based following a learning-practicing-applying approach. Our curriculum places equal emphasis on life essentials aspects like socio-emotional and interpersonal skills, and technical aspects like career readiness, communication, presentation and so on.
In-person Monthly Workshops
Every month offline workshops are conducted at our office premises in Alangulam to cover critical modules like interpersonal skill, gender sensitization and the like which are more effective and impactful in an in-person setting.
Exclusive One-On-One Mentorship
We place utmost importance on providing individualized support to each student through exclusive monthly mentorship calls with a dedicated mentor who not only guides the student through career planning but also supports in navigating through personal challenges.
Regular Weekly Online Sessions
We run weekly online sessions throughout the year covering important modules like English Language, Financial Literacy, Self-development, and many more. These modules ensure continuous learning and reflection that enhances the knowledge and skill set of the students.
Interaction with Experts/Leaders
We regularly invite subject matter experts and leaders from different sectors to interact with and inspire our students. Holding conversations with external speakers not only broadens their perspective but also boosts their confidence and self-esteem.
Our Cohorts
Stories of Hope
GALLERY
Stories of Hope
