About Organisation
Founded in 2016, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) works to enhance youth participation in policymaking and foster civic engagement. The organization focuses on equipping young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities needed to address complex social challenges. YLAC designs programs that encourage critical thinking about socio-political systems, promote inclusive leadership, and inspire active citizenship. Operating across multiple cities in India and Nepal, YLAC engages with communities to strengthen democratic values and empower citizens to contribute meaningfully to governance and development. Their initiatives focus on areas like education, public policy, inclusion, and sustainability—building a generation of informed, empathetic, and proactive leaders. Through fellowships and projects, YLAC nurtures change-makers who drive tangible impact in public life and governance.
About the Grant
The Breaking Barriers Fellowship is a one-year, full-time program designed to embed outstanding young professionals within the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and its affiliated institutions. The fellowship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to India’s disability inclusion ecosystem by working on policy research, program implementation, and citizen engagement. Running from January to December 2026, fellows play a direct role in supporting India’s commitments under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Jointly launched by YLAC, the Nipman Foundation, and supported by the India Autism Center, the fellowship strengthens state capacity for inclusion while nurturing a cohort of young leaders committed to advancing accessibility and equality. Fellows contribute to designing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive policies and programs, bridging governance with grassroots leadership to make accessibility a lived reality for all.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and be Indian citizens under 40 years of age. They should be available for a full-time, year-long placement within assigned institutions from January to December 2026. While all qualified candidates are welcome, the fellowship strongly encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Desirable qualifications include prior work or volunteer experience in social impact, public policy, governance, law, psychology, education, or related sectors. A demonstrated commitment to disability rights and inclusion is highly valued. Applicants with expertise in areas relevant to the DEPwD and its partner institutions will have an advantage. The selection process involves an online application, short essays, references, and interviews. Successful candidates are chosen based on academic merit, professional background, and demonstrated motivation to drive policy change and inclusion.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates must complete an online application that includes academic details, professional background, short essays, and references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, followed by interviews or written tasks for shortlisted candidates. Selections are based on commitment to disability inclusion and alignment with host institutions’ goals. For assistance, applicants may contact office@theylacproject.com.
Application Deadline
The final application deadline for the Breaking Barriers Fellowship is Sunday, 16th November 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
