Who is this program for?
Anyone aged 19 or above, living in Bengaluru, who wants to engage more deeply
with the city.
You could be studying, working a full-time job, or doing something else altogether. What matters is that you can make the time, are prepared to get your hands dirty and can stay committed throughout the program. We also expect participants to have some experience of working on a public problem or neighbourhood project. This doesn't have to be formal or professional experience. It could be through a college assignment, a volunteering opportunity, or an independent project that you implemented. You don't need to be an expert. We're looking for people who have already taken that first step and are now ready to take the next one.
What does the application process look like?
Step 1: Complete the application form (Link). We want to know a little about you, your experiences, what you care about, and why you want to be part of the program.
We will review applications on a first-come, first-served basis for interviews and shortlisting at the end of each week until applications close.
Step 3: If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for a meeting/interview.
Step 4: Selected participants will join the program. Application closing date: 15th November Selection Results by: 15th December Program start date: January 2027
What can I expect from the program?
Students for the City is a 9-month commitment of an average of 5–7 hours a week. Most of this time will be spent working on the ground, understanding your neighbourhood, engaging with people, and implementing your project.
What kind of support will I get?
You won't be expected to figure it all out on your own. Throughout the program, you'll have access to four kinds of support:
Resources: tools, materials and potentially financial resources to help you implement a small neighbourhood project.
Knowledge: subject matter inputs and practical skills to help you understand problems, work with others and develop solutions.
Networks: opportunities to connect with practitioners, organisations, institutions and others working on similar issues.
Narratives: support to document your work, communicate what you're learning and tell stories that can help amplify the change you're creating.
Is there a stipend?
There is no stipend at the beginning of the program. Depending on the nature of the
work, time and commitment involved, we may consider a stipend during the
implementation phase.
What's in it for me?
On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certificate that will add to your resume and experience, but you'll come away with so much more than that.
You'll develop the knowledge and skills to understand problems around you, work with others to address them, and find your own ways of contributing to the city.
You'll get to:
*-Meet people from different backgrounds who care about Bengaluru.
And hopefully, the next time you notice something in your neighbourhood that could be better, you'll know where to start.