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Young researchers turning grassroots realities into evidence that informs how public decisions get made.
Young researchers turning grassroots realities into evidence that informs how public decisions get made.
Youth · Governance · Commons
Youth · Governance · Commons
About the Programme
About the Programme
The Youth Policy Lab is a research space open to anyone who cares about grassroots issues. Too often, policy discussions are limited to big cities, while the real impact of decisions plays out on the ground, in villages, small towns, and communities whose realities go undocumented. YPL exists to change that.
We invite young people, particularly those in their bachelor's and master's studies, to carry out their research and dissertations with us, on the issues that matter where impact is felt. YOGI is present on the ground, with established liaison with communities and local government systems, and we mentor researchers through the entire journey: from building a research proposal from scratch, to the literature review, to fieldwork, to publishing the final work. A dedicated pool of mentors supports researchers at every step, and we also offer research internships under the Lab.
Why It Matters
Why It Matters
Serious research, and the policy conversations it feeds, too often stays confined to big cities and well-resourced institutions. The lived realities of rural and small-town communities, and the young people who come from them, rarely reach the table.
The Youth Policy Lab is built especially for first-generation learners. Because they do not arrive carrying the legacy and gatekeeping of traditional academic research, they bring fresh eyes, honesty, and a deep closeness to the issues they study. YPL trusts them as capable researchers and trusts communities as the truest experts on their own lives, producing evidence that is both rigorous and genuinely rooted.
What We Do
What We Do
Mentored Research, End to End
Mentored Research, End to End
We guide young researchers from a blank page to a published study, proposal, literature review, fieldwork, and publication, supported by our pool of mentors.
On-Ground Access & Liaison
On-Ground Access & Liaison
We open doors, connecting researchers to the communities and local government systems we have long-standing relationships with.
Research Internships
Research Internships
Hands-on opportunities to learn field research within live, real-world projects.
A Home for First-Generation Researchers
A Home for First-Generation Researchers
We especially welcome young people taking their first steps into research, and cover food and accommodation for researchers where needed.
Where & Who
Where & Who
The Youth Policy Lab is focused on North Maharashtra, where we work closely with communities and local institutions. But our reach is wider: through a nationwide network of friends working in our domain, we also facilitate remote research for young people elsewhere. Our participants are young researchers, students, interns, and first-generation learners, united by a broader vision of youth, governance, and the commons. This is volunteer-driven work, offered in a spirit of learning and contribution rather than payment.
Our Research & Publications
Our Research & Publications
The Youth Policy Lab has produced field studies on rivers and their communities, urban lakes and wetlands, public spaces, and the future of cities, work that has been presented to local authorities and decision-makers. You can read our published research on our Publications page.
The Youth Policy Lab has produced field studies on rivers and their communities, urban lakes and wetlands, public spaces, and the future of cities, work that has been presented to local authorities and decision-makers. You can read our published research on our Publications page.
Researchers From These Institutions Have Worked With Us
Researchers From These Institutions Have Worked With Us
Students and young researchers from leading institutions have carried out their work through the Youth Policy Lab.
Research With Us
Research With Us
Are you a young person with a research idea on grassroots issues, water, governance, or the commons?
Are you a young person with a research idea on grassroots issues, water, governance, or the commons?
Or do you have the interest but feel stuck on where to begin? Either way, write to us with your idea, and we'll help you shape it and see it through.
Or do you have the interest but feel stuck on where to begin? Either way, write to us with your idea, and we'll help you shape it and see it through.
This is a space to learn, contribute, and make your research matter.
This is a space to learn, contribute, and make your research matter.
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