Exploring Sociopolitical Development of Youth: Conceptualization of Fellowship Programs as an Extension of Higher Education for Building Social and Policy Changemakers

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research-in-Progress Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: International Perspectives on Teacher Practice (Table 14)

Abstract

Teach for India, Gandhi Fellowship, and various Indian fellowship programs attract graduate youths committed to addressing social and policy issues. This study aims to conceptualize fellowships as distinctive learning spaces and explore the sociopolitical development of emerging young professionals. The research employs qualitative data collection and analysis methods using semi-structured interviews of fellows (n-35) and program teams (n-14). First, engaging with the concept of hybridity, finding underscores fellowships as platforms for capstone projects- a praxis revealing a gap in integrating theory and practice. Second, utilizing sociopolitical development theory as an organizing framework in the global south provides insights into fellowship programs' transformative potential and suggests actionable recommendations in engaging youth for sociopolitical change as they become influential sociopolitical actors.

Author

• Nirved Kumar, Indian Institute of Management