Programs · Youth Development Program

Empowering youth, beyond education

The Dream Project and Youth Development Program (YDP) is an opportunity-building and far-reaching initiative supporting young people aged 16–25 from humble backgrounds across India, those living in humble backgrounds in India with limited access to education, opportunities and support.

Download the YDP brochure →  ·  Write to ydp@touchonelife.org

A young person in the Dream Program
The Dream Project

Our deeper journey with young people

The Dream Program is our regular, more in-depth engagement with college students across India. Small groups meet online three times a week, going deeper into learning, confidence and career, with counselling and therapy woven through.

  • In-depth online sessions three times a week, pan-India
  • Counselling and therapy sessions for emotional well-being
  • English, communication and career development
  • Mentorship and one-to-one guidance
The Youth Development Program (YDP)

A nationwide online learning community

Launched in 2026–27, YDP builds an active online community where youth learn, connect and grow, nurturing their journey toward becoming independent and empowered individuals. Participation is entirely free.

The program covers five key areas:

  • Life-skills & leadership
  • Financial literacy
  • Self-Work & healing
  • Career development
  • Scholarship & job opportunities

Touching Lives collaborates with NGO partners across India to reach youth who would benefit most, extending two decades of grassroots experience in Mumbai to a national community.

Young people of the Youth Development Program
Vision & Impact

Three pillars of the program

Learning

Lifelong skills

Continuous education and skill development for lifelong success and adaptability, from communication to professional growth.

Community

A nationwide network

A vibrant youth community that connects and empowers young people across India, sharing experiences, encouragement and peer support.

Support

Mentorship at every step

Guidance from mentors and coaches from various industries, plus peer connections that provide encouragement throughout the journey.

How the Program Works

Four program touchpoints

Participants engage with the program through a dedicated online learning platform, with multiple layers of learning and connection.

01

Online Platform

Participants access pre-recorded, self-paced courses on life-skills, financial literacy, leadership and professional growth.

02

Daily & Weekly Engagement

Regular posts and content support personal and professional navigation throughout the year.

03

Community Engagement

A moderated community space where youth learn together, share experiences and support one another.

04

Monthly Live Sessions

Interactive live sessions with mentors and coaches from various industries.

YDP Merit Scholarship

Recognising commitment and merit

The program includes a merit scholarship of ₹20,000, awarded to 10 committed participants each year. Recipients are selected through merit-based evaluation, considering academic performance, consistent YDP participation, and completion of at least 75% of assignments and projects, after a minimum of one year in the program.

₹20,000
merit scholarship
10
recipients every year

Become a scholarship donor

A merit scholarship of ₹20,000 (about US$235) supports one committed young person for a year. Fund a scholarship and help a determined student keep going.

Foundations of the Project

Voices from our earlier youth engagements

YDP builds on years of Touching Lives' work with youth across India, including the Dream Program and the Alumni Support Program. These voices reflect the impact that shaped the project's design.

Bhidhushi S. · Class 12

“The English communication and healing sessions helped me express myself with greater confidence and believe in my abilities. The support I received also encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a playback singer.”

Aryan S. · B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)

“The sessions helped me overcome my fear of speaking English and communicate with confidence. As I grew more confident, I stepped into leadership roles and now serve as the Organising Secretary of my university's Moot Court Committee.”

Krishna M. · CA Inter & B.Com

“The sessions helped me overcome self-doubt, build better habits, and gain clarity about my future. I became more confident, participated actively in college, and secured my first internship.”

Mohit · B.Tech (Computer Science)

“The communication and personality development sessions gave me the confidence to step beyond my comfort zone. From winning an English debate competition to becoming a Google Student Ambassador, I discovered what I was capable of achieving.”

Nikhil S. · BALLB, 5th Year

“The learning sessions strengthened my communication skills, prepared me for professional opportunities, and helped me build greater self-confidence. The guidance supported both my personal and professional growth.”

Indu S. · Private Teacher

“The English communication and healing sessions helped me overcome self-doubt and express myself more confidently. They reminded me that I, too, deserve encouragement, growth, and belief in my own potential.”

Nurturing the journey of young people toward becoming independent and empowered individuals.
The vision of the Youth Development Program
Be Part of It

Two ways to step in

If you are a young person from a humble background

Aged 16 to 25 and ready to grow? Join YDP or the Dream Program. Participation is entirely free.

Join YDP / Dream Program →

If you are an NGO working with youth

Partner with us to bring the program to young people in your community. Donors can also support the program and its scholarships.

Partner With Us →