Revolutionizing High School Outreach: Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Leading a New Era of Learning

By Anju Jayraj, Bhavya Goyal, Bhakti Shah & Megha Srivastav

While much of the conversation around Indian student mobility focuses on the increasing number of students traveling overseas, a more compelling story is unfolding within India itself—the rapid evolution and expansion of its higher education sector. In the past decade, the number of universities has surged from 711 to 1,249, and colleges from 40,760 to 50,477, showcasing India's commitment to educational accessibility and diversity.

As Prof. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor of UPES, rightly states,"India now boasts the world's largest higher education ecosystem, supporting 41 million students and 1.55 million faculty members. This expansion reflects a market size of $40 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 15%, underlining the escalating demand and capacity of Indian institutions. The growth in institutions and student enrollment, coupled with significant strides in gender parity, marks commendable achievements in higher education that we should be immensely proud of."

Mansi Malik, Regional Head of Admissions Outreach, Flame University adds, "Government initiatives, increased funding, and the development of world-class campuses are transforming India into a global education hub. However, I would like to emphasize that one of the most crucial drivers of this growth is the innovative outreach strategies employed by our Indian HEIs. These institutions are consistently leveraging digital platforms, community outreach, and partnerships with international institutions to attract and retain a diverse student body."

7 Unconventional High School Engagement Initiatives by Indian HEIs

In the digital age, high school outreach strategies have transformed dramatically. Gone are the days of traditional Below the Line (BTL) activities where university professionals traveled from city to city to meet students, parents, and schools, often perceived as the "sales" function of the institution. Today, with students preferring to interact through chatbots and WhatsApp, outreach has evolved into innovative and engaging practices. Let's explore some high school engagement initiatives by Indian HEIs that are redefining the concept of outreach.

1.From Traditional to Futuristic Summer Schools

It’s time to move beyond the traditional summer schools focused on team-building and arts. Have you heard about summer programs exploring cutting-edge topics like patent filing, drone engineering, electric skateboard crafting, and DNA profiling? Offered by prestigious Indian HEIs, these innovative summer schools provide high school students with hands-on experiences that are gaining popularity among Indian students and receiving praise from counselors. Spanning one to three weeks, they immerse students in themed activities and lab work, while familiarizing them with university life, creating a strong admissions pipeline, with 5% to 30% of undergraduate students coming from these programs annually.

Khushboo Taparia, Career Cell Coordinator, Sanskaar Valley School emphasizes, "Our students consistently thrive at Shoolini University's Summer Patent School. This unique program empowers them to file patents and bring their ideas to life. Five of our students have successfully filed different patents with the guidance of Shoolini's professors, making patents accessible and affordable. It's a journey that leaves students confident and fulfilled.”

2. Building digital communities

Another innovative concept in student engagement by Indian HEIs is the creation of digital communities that connect students with peers, industry mentors, and real-world experiences. A prime example is Rishihood University's DesignX, India's premier design community, boasting around 1,000 members aged 15-65 from various geographies. DesignX offers design aspirants real-time discussions, exclusive internships, projects, icons, summer schools, contests, rewards, networking opportunities, expert portfolio reviews, and growth hacks.

Reflecting on her experience, Kriti, a high school student from Rourkela, remarks, "Being part of DesignX has been eye-opening. I have learned from top industry designers, gained hands-on experience and built a network of like-minded peers and mentors from across the country. The sessions, reviews, and discussions have helped me understand my future career in design. I have also made new friends, shared work, internship opportunities, and engaged in quality discussions on various design topics. I have gained a lot from the community.”

3. Fostering Innovation Through Interschool Leagues and Competitions

Indian HEIs are actively fostering creativity and critical thinking among high school students through interschool leagues and competitions. Notable examples include:

• Plaksha University's Young Creators League (YCL): In 2024, YCL engaged over a thousand students from 15 states to address UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fifty teams presented innovative projects, including braille printers and smart zebra crossings, focusing on themes such as the environment, energy, smart cities, and health.
• Shiv Nadar University's Design for Future Challenge: In collaboration with HCLTech, this competition invites Class XI and XII students to propose solutions for a future city in 2050. Participants are encouraged to design innovative responses to urban challenges like smart homes, agriculture, and transportation, with the opportunity to present their ideas nationally and compete for attractive prizes.

"We really appreciate the efforts of Indian HEIs in organizing interschool initiatives that truly empower our students, providing them with the chance to develop and showcase their skills, preparing them for future success," states Zoya Qureshi, Guidance Counselor from DPS RK Puram. "They also serve as valuable opportunities for HEIs to connect with talented students and demonstrate their commitment to fostering innovation and practical problem-solving."

4. Empowering High School Educators: Advancing Professional Development Opportunities

In our discussions with Indian high school educators, we observed the significant efforts of Indian HEIs in advancing the professional growth of counselors and educators. Leading institutions like Krea University, Atlas SkillTech University, Flame University, Atria and Chitkara University provide extensive learning opportunities in teaching methodologies, technology integration, and counseling techniques.

Shraddha Kumar, Counselor and Special Educator at Utpal Shanghavi Global School, reflects, "It's commendable to see Indian HEIs consistently adding value." She further notes, "Atlas has been instrumental in sharing best pedagogical practices and thought leadership. I experienced this firsthand at the Babson Collaborative Annual Conference hosted by Atlas, which gathered entrepreneurs worldwide. These initiatives not only enrich the educational landscape but also empower educators to effectively support students in their academic and career journeys.”

5. Creating Future Leaders: Mentorship Programs for Indian High School Students

Several visionary Indian HEIs are pioneering personalized mentorship programs designed to nurture future leaders among high school students. These initiatives connect students with industry experts, alumni, and faculty through workshops and structured activities that promote holistic development and career readiness. A standout example is the Lodha Genius Programme, conducted by the Lodha Group and Ashoka University, which focuses on Mathematics, Science, and Arts for grades 9-12, benefiting around 100 students annually.

As Shailaja Raghavendra, University Guidance Counselor at Kunskapsskolan School, states, "Mentorship programs are essential for holistic development and future success. They allow students, even those passionate about niche subjects, to connect with experts, participate in relevant projects, and gain hands-on experience. This tailored support empowers students to explore their interests, deepen their knowledge, and make informed decisions about their academic and career paths."

6.Research Internship Opportunities for High School Students

Indian HEIs are increasingly offering research internships to high school students to inspire academic exploration and scientific inquiry. These opportunities expose students to cutting-edge research, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Anjali Uppal, Senior College Advisor at Shriram Millennium School (Noida and Gurugram), notes, "Paired with faculty mentors and research teams, students engage in real-world projects, contribute to scholarly publications, and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. These internships not only enrich high school education but also prepare future researchers and innovators to tackle global challenges effectively."

7. Career Exploration Initiatives for High School Students

Career exploration initiatives are another area where Indian higher education institutions excel. These programs offer insights into diverse career paths, guided by industry professionals, and equip students with essential skills for their future careers.

An exemplary program is Masters’ Union's "Test Drive," a 12-week intensive program for high school and undergraduate students. It explores 12 career paths with mentorship from industry leaders, providing personalized career reports and skill assessments. Asma Ansari, Dean CI and Placements, Daly College emphasizes "Today our students have a plethora of career options to choose from, making guidance on selecting the right path crucial. Leading Indian HEIs organize career dialogues that broaden horizons, prepare students for the job market, and foster lifelong learning among our youth. These initiatives contribute to developing a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth."

Conclusion

The future of university outreach is about building genuine, personalized connections that go beyond traditional college fairs. As Bhakti Shah, Founder of The Outreach Collective and a leader in transforming high school outreach, states, “Universities need to become partners in students' educational journeys by offering mentorship, skill development, and real-world experiences. As relationships among universities, schools, and students change, successful institutions will focus on nurturing talent, meeting individual needs, and showing clear results.This shift calls for fresh approaches that use technology, improve accessibility, and connect education with career goals."

Ultimately, universities that prioritize adding value to students' high school experiences will not only improve recruitment but also fulfill their broader mission of encouraging lifelong learning and making a positive impact on society.