Unlocking potential through mentoring, one student at a time

YDF's University Readiness Program supports students (grades 9–12) from underserved and rural communities — helping them discover strengths, explore institutions & courses, and prepare for scholarships, life skills, and meaningful careers.

Financial barriers & rising costs
Limited career guidance & counselors
Severe counselor shortage nationwide
Partial NEP implementation in rural areas
Educational inequities for girls & marginalized groups
Low enrollment & high dropout
Read full challenge details

Across India, underserved youth face intertwined barriers — financial burdens, lack of counseling resources, limited exposure, minimal home support, and partial policy rollouts — all contributing to low higher-education enrollment and high dropout rates.

Students mentoring and career guidance

Our Approach — The Aspiration Triad

Three pillars — Scholarship Access, Career Guidance, and Life Skills — combine to create an ecosystem that prepares students academically, emotionally and practically for university and careers.

Scholarship Access

From awareness to application support, we guide students step-by-step so financial aid becomes an accessible reality.

Career Guidance

Personalized assessments, counseling reports, and exposure help students choose courses and institutions aligned with strengths and aspirations.

Life Skills

Workshops build confidence, resilience, communication and workplace readiness — skills students need to thrive beyond school.

A Transformative Ecosystem — Student Journey
1
Institution Partnerships
Integrate program with schools for reach & sustainability.
2
Personalized Assessment
Psychometric testing to map strengths & interests.
3
Tailored Guidance
Counseling reports and course/institute recommendations.
4
Life Skills
Sessions to build resilience & readiness.
5
Scholarship Support
Application help, document kits & post-award mentoring.

Our Impact

10,000+
Students supported through career guidance
4
States (Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar)
6,000+
Ashramshala students in Maharashtra
Multiple
Partnerships with government & private orgs

What our students say

“The counseling report helped me select a course that actually fits my interest — I now feel confident applying for colleges and scholarships.”
— Aarti, Grade 12, Maharashtra
“Thanks to YDF’s psychometric assessment and mentorship, I secured a scholarship and got guidance to choose the right university path.”
— Rohan, ITI Student
“Life skills workshops improved my communication and confidence — now I know how to present myself for internships.”
— Meera, Grade 11

Join our journey — help students step confidently into higher education

Whether you’re a student, institution, or supporter, partner with YDF to create educational equity for India’s youth.