Our Initiatives

The Story Lab Fellowship

Program Overview

A three-month immersive fellowship combining flexible online learning and hands-on experience. Participants enhance research abilities, master production techniques, and work on real-world media projects under expert mentorship. Fellows build professional portfolios and receive stipends, preparing for careers in journalism, filmmaking, and content creation.

Why Join?

Gaining essential skills and hands-on multimedia tools is often overlooked in traditional academics.

Requisites

Focus on India-based projects addressing local issues and stories.

Impact

Produce impactful media projects that highlight Indian society's diverse aspects and drive social change.

Seeking Partnerships

International Multimedia Journalism Fellowship

Program Overview

This six-month, fully funded fellowship empowers early-career journalists from underrepresented and marginalized communities in India to become impactful multimedia storytellers. Combining online and in-person training, the program equips participants with professional skills in research, news literacy, and multimedia production—spanning video, audio, digital, and print formats.

Why Join?

Offers essential skills and practical experience often missing in academics, preparing for successful media careers.

Requisites

Early-career journalists from underrepresented communities in India. Passion for storytelling is a must.

Impact

Contribute to meaningful social change through impactful journalism and storytelling.

RTPM – Youth Empowerment

Program Overview

Designed to tackle structural unemployment in the U.S., RTPM trains IT graduates in cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, and cloud computing through no-cost intensive training and mentorship.

Why

Bridges the education-employment gap and ensures job readiness in the tech industry.

Requisites

Collaborates with multiple training partners for quality and comprehensive learning experiences.

Impact

Prepares graduates with technical skills and guidance for successful careers.

NGO Leadership Workshop

Program Overview

Equips nonprofit leaders with fundraising, strategic planning, and donor engagement skills through interactive workshops and expert-led training.

Why Join Us?

Gain tools for long-term sustainability and social impact.

Requisites

For nonprofit leaders committed to growth and innovation in their organizations.

Impact

Improves fundraising strategies and increases organizational impact.

CSAS – Free Cybersecurity Education

Program Overview

Free tech education for rural and underprivileged communities, focusing on cybersecurity and job-readiness through structured tracks and mentorship.

Why Join?

Closes the digital divide and builds a secure tech workforce.

Requisites

Applicants should be from underserved backgrounds with an interest in technology.

Impact

Aims to impact 1M lives by building employable skills and promoting tech inclusion.

WeTheChange

Program Overview

Founded by Farheen Naaz and Abu Sufiyan, this initiative addresses menstrual health, youth leadership, women entrepreneurship, and consent education.

Why

Drives social change by tackling societal taboos and empowering underserved groups.

Key Initiatives

  • Menstrual health & waste management
  • Youth Leadership: Project Pehla Qadam
  • Women Entrepreneurship Training
  • Consent Education in Early Childhood

Impact

Reached 16,000+ menstruators, distributed 1.5 lakh bags, sensitized 35,000 individuals.

School Support Group – EEE Program

Program Overview

Empowers education in underprivileged communities inspired by Islamic values through student support, teacher training, and school development.

Why

Fosters inclusive and high-quality education based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Key Initiatives

  • Support a Student: Free books, scholarships
  • Support a Teacher: Training and resources
  • Adopt a School: Full ecosystem transformation

Impact

Improves literacy, empowers educators, and transforms schools into excellence hubs.

Trail Blazer Leadership League

Program Overview

A diploma-level, multi-phase leadership journey for youth focusing on personal growth, social responsibility, and entrepreneurship.

Why

Bridges leadership and education through ethical, community-focused training.

Key Initiatives

  • Trail Seeker: Foundational Leadership
  • Trail Maker: Advanced Leadership
  • Trail Blazer: Social Enterprise Development

Impact

Develops conscious leaders equipped to create sustainable community impact and entrepreneurial ventures.

About Us

At the Center on South Asian Studies (CSAS), we believe collaboration is the key to progress. As an Illinois-based nonprofit, in good standing with federal tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to fostering collaboration.

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