LUMS NOP Outreach in Gilgit-Baltistan: Expanding Access and Building Futures

The National Outreach Programme (NOP) at LUMS recently conducted an extensive outreach tour across seven cities in Gilgit-Baltistan, engaging directly with over 1,030 students across 18 schools and colleges. The purpose of this visit was to create awareness about the LUMS NOP, guide students on the Summer Coaching Session (SCS) application process and provide in-depth career counselling to help them envision their future in higher education.

Reaching Across Cities and Institutions

The outreach began in Gilgit, where the team held sessions at The Learning Academy, Colonel Mujeeb ur Rehman Public School and College Jutial Gilgit, and AKHSS Boys, reaching over 200 students. The journey continued to Hunza, where the team visited FG College Girls, AKHSS Girls, and the Government Boys Degree College, engaging with both male and female students equally.

In Jaglot, interactions were conducted at FG Inter College and Cadet College, followed by an impactful day in Shigar, which included sessions at Inter College Shigar and the Degree College for Women. The outreach expanded further to Kharmang, where both the Government Boys and Government Girls Colleges were addressed, as well as at Uswa College Boys.

The visit to Skardu included engagements at the Public School and College for Girls and Uswa College Girls, while the final leg in Khaplu covered Public School and College Boys, Public School and College Girls, and the Government Degree College. These interactions ensured a balanced focus on both boys’ and girls’ institutions.

 Key Highlights

• The outreach included the first-ever visit to Roundu, marking a significant milestone in extending NOP’s presence to under-represented areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.
• A formal meeting was held with the Minister of Planning and Development of Gilgit-Baltistan, who assured full collaboration with government educational institutions to support and expand the NOP initiative.
• At AKHSS Schools, the team conducted a special session with 10 students already selected for the SCS 2025, guiding them as they prepare for their LUMS admission applications this year.
• A LUMS student from Khaplu assisted the team in coordinating local sessions, sharing his personal story of becoming an NOP scholar, and inspiring his juniors to follow the same path.
• Dedicated career counselling was provided for pre-medical students, focusing on the structure of the BS Biology programme at LUMS. Students were introduced to how the degree blends fundamental sciences and mathematics with advanced areas such as molecular biology, genetics, and computational biology, while also offering flexibility through electives and a senior research project.
• Teachers and student counsellors were given hands-on training on completing the SCS 2026 application to ensure they could effectively guide their students.
• Students were motivated through alumni success stories and inspired by personal testimonials from NOP SCS 2024 participants, who were invited to share their journeys and experiences with new candidates preparing for SCS 2025.
   

Impact

By directly engaging 1,030 students across 18 institutions, this outreach reaffirmed the mission of the LUMS National Outreach Programme: to provide equitable access to quality higher education for talented youth from across Pakistan. The sessions not only equipped students with practical knowledge about admissions and career options but also inspired them with real stories of resilience and success. The support of local educators, alumni, and government representatives underscores the collective commitment to expanding opportunities for the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan.