Mumbai, Sept 7, 2024: In a special drive, SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank Group, is inviting Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Citizens of Nepal & Bhutan, and internal candidates from SBI for the 12th Batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship program. The 13-month program provides a well-structured opportunity for fresh graduates and young professionals to collaborate with rural communities and 13 esteemed NGOs across India, fostering meaningful social change. The deadline to apply for the SBI YFI Fellowship is September 17.
To be eligible for the Fellowship Program under this special drive, a candidate must be an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), a Citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, or an SBI employee. In the case of SBI employees, the candidate should be a confirmed officer in Scale I or II within SBI. The candidate must be between the age group of 21-32 years on the day of commencement of the program i.e. 7th October 2024. The Candidates must also strongly commit to advancing sustainable development objectives in rural areas. Once selected, the candidates need to report to Tilonia, Kishangarh, Rajasthan on October 5 to begin the experiential journey.
"The SBI Youth for India program provides a unique opportunity for urban youth to actively contribute to the development sector while addressing the challenges of rural life. We welcome our colleagues from the State Bank of India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and youth from Nepal and Bhutan, to join the force and be the ambassadors of change for rural India. With 10 successful editions behind us and the 11th underway, our program remains dedicated to empowering youth to create meaningful change in rural communities. This initiative is a beacon of hope for those eager to shape a brighter future for both themselves and rural India," said Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO, SBI Foundation.
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship, which is one of its kind, works on 12 thematic areas such as Health, Rural Livelihood, Food Security, Environmental Protection, Education, Water, Technology, Women's Empowerment, Self-Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Traditional Craft and Alternate Energy. During the Fellowship program, the Fellows work on one of these 12 thematic areas as per their interest.
Prospective Fellows are encouraged to seize this opportunity to make a tangible impact, leveraging their skills and creativity to drive positive change in the lives of those in rural India.
The SBI Youth for India program has witnessed enthusiastic engagement from numerous young applicants from major metropolitan cities in India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. The program has made a significant impact with a growing alumni network of over 580+ individuals, impacting more than 150,000 lives through the interventions of the Fellows in more than 250+ villages spanning 20 States across India over the last 13 years.
The project also impacts youth in their future academic pursuits. About 70% of YFI alumni have gone on to pursue meaningful careers in the social sector by working in Rural Development, Public Policy, Governance, Academia, etc., thereby enabling positive change. 100+ Fellowship alumni pursued Higher Studies in development domains after their SBI Youth for India Fellowship experience, and 40+ YFI alumni have started social ventures post-Fellowship.
