The FOSS United Foundation has been part of various efforts to encourage technologists to participate in Policy discussions. We continue to believe it is critical for technologists to not only keep up with what is happening in the Tech-Policy space but also actively participate in discussions of policymaking. Code doesn’t exist in a vacuum, nor should people who write it!
For those who have followed, we’ve been offering a scholarship for FOSS developers to pursue the The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy (Technology and Policy) at the Takshashila Institution for over 4 years now. Through these years, we’ve received a diverse range of applicants, and have supported almost 50 FOSS technologists pursuing a toe-dip into the policy world.
Over the last year, we’ve been discussing internally how to expand these efforts and identify ways to make more of these policy programs accessible to the FOSS United Community. For example, we regularly interact with hundreds of students, fresh graduates and young working professionals through our events, clubs programs and other efforts. We believe more young people in the FOSS community should become policy aware.
Starting now, FOSS United will also be offering scholarships for community members who want to pursue the Policy in Action program offered by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship.
The Policy in Action Program is a month-long engagement for young professionals and university students who are keen to explore the fields of public policy and development. The program is designed to deliver core skills in policy analysis, advocacy and leadership, along with the experience of working on live projects for policymakers – MPs, MLAs, ministries and other government institutions.
Public policy can be a potent tool for civic action. The Policy in Action Program is YLAC’s attempt to increase citizen engagement with the policymaking process and equip people with the skills necessary to drive change. It is also an attempt to strengthen the development and governance ecosystem in India by expanding the pool of talented individuals committed to working in the space.
First launched in 2016, the program has become a flagship YLAC engagement that receives a large number of outstanding applications from a diverse pool of candidates. It is designed as a mix of weekend sessions and remote collaboration that makes it easy to accommodate alongside regular study and work commitments.
The Policy in Action program run by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship, aims to address this gap. Having gone through the program myself, I highly recommend young people from the FOSS Community to pursue this course. We are happy to announce that the FOSS United Foundation will be offering a scholarship to people from the FOSS community to participate in the program.
In the pilot phase, we are sponsoring the full course fee of ₹16,000. If you are interested:
- Apply to the upcoming cohort.
- In your application, write about your experience in the FOSS ecosystem.
- If you are accepted, FOSS United Foundation will cover the full course fee for you (on a reimbursement basis after completing the course).