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Comprising of three tracks, it is a first-of-its-kind, highly selective pre-college summer program at CERP. It aims to equip the youth interested in the development sector with experiential learning and on-ground field experience, tailored technical and professional development skills, and networking & engagement opportunities.
Overview:
TRACK 1: High school students around the world | USD 5,000 per research scholar
TRACK 2: High school students residing in Pakistan | USD 1,150 per research scholar
TRACK 3 (Jinnah Fellowship): High school students residing in Pakistan from underrepresented communities | Fully funded program; covers program fee and accommodation
Note: Students from low-income households in Pakistan are encouraged to apply for the Jinnah Fellowship, which is open to applicants with a household income from all sources equal to or less than PKR 150,000 per month. The fellowship aims to empower deserving students by providing them with the same transformative skills, exposure, and lifelong connections available to others in the program, helping bridge gaps and create equitable opportunities for a brighter future. To ensure that this support reaches those who need it most, applicants will be required to submit supporting documentation, including their parents’ income tax returns and bank statements, as part of the application process. While CERP carefully reviews all applications with the utmost fairness and consideration, the final decision on awarding the fellowship or financial aid rests solely with CERP. We appreciate your understanding and encourage all eligible students to apply.
The program is designed for high school students worldwide. It is a platform to immerse in Pakistan’s cultural and development context and benefit from an enriching, global experience before entering college. With the global community of high school students and the Pakistani diaspora spread across the world, the program also offers students the opportunity to reconnect with their hereditary roots. Participants explore a developing country environment while growing in the program personally and professionally.
As a 5-week programme, Activate, at CERP is a unique and comprehensive opportunity for individuals with intellectual curiosity and interest in development economics, research and policy analysis to:
1. Gain hands-on, real-world work experience with placement in rigorous development sector projects undertaken by CERP (Health, Education, Climate, Agriculture, Gender, others) through analytical and field work in Pakistan
2. Build employable skills, apply learnings in real-time, and advance growth to be able to successfully enter the development or public sectors at international development organisations, government departments, non-governmental organisations, and bilateral and multilateral development agencies in Pakistan or abroad
3. Network with award-winning academics, globally recognised experts and international development economists
More details are available in the brochure.
To apply, please access the link to the application form here.
Important update: The deadline for the program has been extended to March 3, 2025.
Comprising of three tracks, it is a first-of-its-kind, highly selective pre-college summer program at CERP. It aims to equip the youth interested in the development sector with experiential learning and on-ground field experience, tailored technical and professional development skills, and networking & engagement opportunities.
Overview:
TRACK 1: High school students around the world | USD 5,000 per research scholar
TRACK 2: High school students residing in Pakistan | USD 1,150 per research scholar
TRACK 3 (Jinnah Fellowship): High school students residing in Pakistan from underrepresented communities | Fully funded program; covers program fee and accommodation
Note: Students from low-income households in Pakistan are encouraged to apply for the Jinnah Fellowship, which is open to applicants with a household income from all sources equal to or less than PKR 150,000 per month. The fellowship aims to empower deserving students by providing them with the same transformative skills, exposure, and lifelong connections available to others in the program, helping bridge gaps and create equitable opportunities for a brighter future. To ensure that this support reaches those who need it most, applicants will be required to submit supporting documentation, including their parents’ income tax returns and bank statements, as part of the application process. While CERP carefully reviews all applications with the utmost fairness and consideration, the final decision on awarding the fellowship or financial aid rests solely with CERP. We appreciate your understanding and encourage all eligible students to apply.
The program is designed for high school students worldwide. It is a platform to immerse in Pakistan’s cultural and development context and benefit from an enriching, global experience before entering college. With the global community of high school students and the Pakistani diaspora spread across the world, the program also offers students the opportunity to reconnect with their hereditary roots. Participants explore a developing country environment while growing in the program personally and professionally.
As a 5-week programme, Activate, at CERP is a unique and comprehensive opportunity for individuals with intellectual curiosity and interest in development economics, research and policy analysis to:
1. Gain hands-on, real-world work experience with placement in rigorous development sector projects undertaken by CERP (Health, Education, Climate, Agriculture, Gender, others) through analytical and field work in Pakistan
2. Build employable skills, apply learnings in real-time, and advance growth to be able to successfully enter the development or public sectors at international development organisations, government departments, non-governmental organisations, and bilateral and multilateral development agencies in Pakistan or abroad
3. Network with award-winning academics, globally recognised experts and international development economists
More details are available in the brochure.
To apply, please access the link to the application form here.
Important update: The deadline for the program has been extended to March 3, 2025.