“Spark” Fellowship Programme for Youth

Spark” Fellowship Programme has been launched to serve as a unique opportunity for young professionals to explore suitable opportunities to blend education / professional background with socially relevant work.  Potential Fellows will be supported financially for upto one year and will receive an opportunity to work on projects in the areas of Environment/Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Education.  Field work will be integrated with specially designed learning inputs and support from Domain Experts and Mentors.  The fellowships will thus help to enhance one’s knowledge and skills while resulting in experiential learning and contribution to society. The Fellowship Programme is being launched by BAIF Development Research Foundation, a reputed Voluntary Organisation in India, implementing a multidisciplinary programme for over four decades in 12 states, including 28 districts of Maharashtra with special focus on Rural Livelihood, Livestock Development, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Restoration and Improved Quality of Life.

The Project topics for 2010-11 are based on the following themes:

(click to see topics in respective themes)

1. Environment Science / Biodiversity 2. Biotechnology 3. Education       Nature of Support: The support will include a fellowship of Rs. 7,500/- per month for a period of upto 12 months. Besides this, BAIF will take care of accommodation and outstation work-related travel expense of the individual. An additional fund of around Rs. 30, 000/- per year will be provided for specific requirements in connection with the project.       Eligibility: Any individual who has a passion and commitment to take up socially relevant work in the above thematic areas has the drive to learn and contribute creatively; has completed his/her graduation/post graduation in any discipline is between 20-30 years of age is eligible to apply for this fellowship.        Duration: The Programme is a fulltime fellowship for upto one year.       Selection:The selection procedure will include interviews by a panel and group discussions of shortlisted applicants. The shortlisted candidates will be informed via email. We would seek candidates who possess a skill set that highlights his/her ability to work with and for the society at large, has the strength of character and a positive attitude.       Applications only in the prescribed and soft format will be accepted. Download the form, fill it and e-mail it to fellowships@baif.org.in. The last date for application is 31st August 2010. To download “Spark” Fellowship Application Form, Click here       FAQs     Who can apply? Any individual who has completed his/her graduation, be it any discipline, or has done post graduation or PhD. How do I apply? Fill the application form and mail it to fellowships@baif.org.in What are the themes or topics for which one can apply? The themes for 2010-11 are: Environment Science/Biodiversity Biotechnology Education Is there any financial package associated with the fellowship? The support will include a fellowship of Rs.7,500/- per month for a period of upto 12 months. Besides this, BAIF will take care of accommodation and outstation work-related travel expense of the individual. An additional fund of around Rs.30,000/- per year will be provided for specific requirements in connection with the project. Is there any age limit? The applicant should be less than 30 years of age on April 1, 2010. Is it possible to work part time? Can I do my college along with the fellowship? The fellowship is necessarily a fulltime programme. Candidates who would like to take up a project as part of their curricular requirement should apply to our internship programme.

http://www.baif.org.in/aspx_pages/spark_fellowship_program.asp