The National Outreach Programme (NOP) visited Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) for its outreach efforts, amid captivating natural beauty. The NOP Team visited different schools and colleges in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Bagh and Dhirkot to help students learn more about the signature LUMS scholarship programme and how they can avail of the scholarship. 

The NOP is a unique initiative making quality education accessible to those belonging to underserved areas across. It is an embodiment of LUMS’ core principles of diversity and accessibility. The Programme is the global winner of the Platinum Award by the Council for Advancement and Support for Education (CASE) 2021 for 'Best Practices in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion' 

The Team conducted in-class sessions in colleges, engaging more than 800 students in different sessions. The NOP Centre also formulated a partnership with Read Foundation to deliver NOP's core idea of educational awareness in all Read Foundation Colleges across Kashmir.

Students were informed of how they can apply to the NOP Summer Coaching Session and get admitted to the LUMS Undergraduate programme on a 100% scholarship. The team also interacted with attendees of the Summer Coaching Session 2022 in colleges in AJK and requested them to share their experiences with their peers on stage to motivate them to apply to LUMS.

The wheels were set in motion as the summer dawned for another exciting yet grueling NOP Summer Coaching Session. After a two-year online stint, NOP Summer Coaching Session (SCS) 2022 started with the same zeal but amplified energy this year. This year's coaching session was filled with a lively spirit of trying new things and creating new experiences for the participants and those administering the entire session.

The NOP has witnessed continued success after building on the NOP Online Application System in its fifth year of operation, receiving 10,292 applications for the SCS, another milestone achieved by the team. After a gruelling and rigorous verification process, 727 participants from far-flung areas of Pakistan were invited for the session, out of which 686 accepted the invitation while 650 finally made it to the campus. In keeping with the magnitude of participants, a dedicated team of volunteers was engaged and invited one week before the commencement of the session for training and operational purposes.

Registration Day kicked off and witnessed many energetic students enter the LUMS campus. With 413 males and 237 females hailing from cities such as Zhob, Pishin, Waziristan, Tharparkar, Dara Adam Khel, Umer Kot, Qila Abdullah, Quetta, Kasur, Skardu, Hunza, Chitral, Malakand Division, Azad Jammu Kashmir, Rajanpur, DG Khan and Bahawalpur; this year's coaching session too, proved to be as diverse as was in previous years. A vast majority: approximately 99% of the participants were from outside of Lahore and hence were staying on campus for the session.

After a detailed orientation session, students were engaged in a 15-day packed schedule designed to stimulate their academic, mental, and physical growth and enrich them with wholesome extra-curricular experiences. The NOP Team also added Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills Classes to inculcate the participants' conceptual thinking and public speaking skills. Simultaneously, lab sessions were organized to acquaint students with the basics of digital management including filling out Financial Aid applications.

Interspersed between classes, attendees could listen to some of the brightest minds in and outside LUMS through various motivational talks. Dr. Adam Zaman from SBASSE educated the attendees about the multiple disciplines and majors offered at LUMS, while Dr. Haniya Azam inspired students to identify the gifts within them. LUMS Alumni Dilkasha Tarannum and Sharjeel Shahab spoke of their journeys at LUMS and encouraged students to face their fears and be their own competition.

The session's first significant event kicked off with the academic gameshow 'Challenge Your Talent', whereby students engaged in educational and enjoyable activities, winning fun prizes. A movie screening event followed this to reinforce the necessity of maintaining a work-life balance.

The Sports Gala took place in the second week of the session, highlighting the importance of physical activity and providing students with the chance to engage in sports such as badminton, table tennis, cricket, volleyball, football, and basketball. In addition, the Scavenger Hunt put their guessing game to the test, specifically organized to increase female participation. The event saw multiple teams of 20 to 30 girls solving clues scattered across the campus to obtain the grand prize.

Finally, a Drama and Music Night ensued where attendees participated in showing off their acting and singing skills in front of their peers. Participation in all the organized events was unprecedented, and feedback received on the ground was highly positive.

In conclusion, NOP is exceptionally grateful to all the stakeholders who helped make this session a success. We can confidently say that the unparalleled academic coaching merged with a diverse set of soft skills and extra-curricular activities has not only set the foundation for applying to LUMS but has equipped the participants with the skills they shall utilize in all spheres of their academic careers. We look forward to seeing our attendees taking life head-on and fearlessly working towards their dreams.

Since its inception in 2001, the LUMS National Outreach Programme has been extending the benefits of a world-class education to talented yet underprivileged students across Pakistan. More than 1,100 students have been inducted to pursue degree programmes at LUMS and more than 540 students have graduated and gone on to achieve, thrive and make an impact in their communities.

Looking at the phenomenal success of NOP graduates, it was decided to develop and design a publication that would not just showcase the success stories of Alumni but give an overview of the achievements of the NOP Scholarship. Under the supervision of Dr. Faisal Bari, Associate Professor, Department of Economics at LUMS and Yasser Hashmi, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities at LUMS, the foundation for ‘Beyond Horizons’ was laid.

After meticulous data analysis, a diverse pool of graduates were contacted in order to have them narrate their journeys thus far. This was done through written interview questions, email follow-ups and telephone calls. The answers they provided were then weaved into masterful stories that provided insight into their family backgrounds, early life, Admission to LUMS and their pursuits post-graduation. Simultaneously data was collected on the statistics of the entire NOP cohort since its inception in order to display infographic analyses.

A vigorous creative design process followed during which thematic elements, pictures, graphics and stories were amalgamated into a publication and sent for printing. Upon receiving the first copy off the press, Rabia Ahmad, Director Admissions expressed immense pride at the Alumni achievements documented within the publication. Shandana Mehdi, Administrator NOP Centre acknowledged all the stakeholders that had contributed in bringing the publication from the concept board to reality and hoped the tradition would be carried forward in annual editions. 

The publication would not have been possible without the efforts of research analysts, Ali Jan and Tauha Baba Malik, who edited and collated the stories, and designers Muhammad Ali Butt and Tehreem Nisar who designed the publication.

An annual spot on the LUMS calendar, the Summer Coaching Session organised by the National Outreach Programme Centre took place from July 15 to 29, 2019. This year’s coaching session was all about trying new things and creating new experiences for the candidates.

The purpose of the session was to not only equip these bright students for the upcoming LUMS admission test but also to instil a sense of purpose, competitiveness and camaraderie among them. The University facilitated lodging and dining facilities for all of the shortlisted candidates, who also got to know what LUMS has to offer through various activities, faculty interactions, tutorials as well as presentations.

This year the Centre received 9,439 applications for the Coaching Session and after a gruelling and rigorous verification process, 770 students from all over the country were shortlisted and invited to the University.

Registration day saw 664 enthusiastic candidates enter the LUMS premises. This year’s Session boasted diversity with 399 males and 265 females hailing from cities such as Parachinar, Musakhel, Rajanpur, Ghotki, Rawalakot and Gahkuch. 578 candidates stayed on campus for the duration of the session, while the others were Day Scholars.

After a holistic orientation session, students were plunged into academic and extra-curricular activities spread over the next 15 days. Each of these were designed to stimulate their academic growth and enrich them with extra-curricular experiences. A specific curriculum based on English, Math, Basic Sciences and SAT preparation was followed to enable students to prepare for the admission testing requirements of LUMS. Additionally, classes for Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills were also incorporated to teach conceptual thinking and public speaking to the candidates. Simultaneously, lab sessions were organised to acquaint students with the basics of email management, web browsing, the Microsoft Office suite and the LUMS Admission and Financial Aid online applications. The ultimate aim of these activities was to not just prepare the students for SAT in a stand-alone manner but to also foster the development of vital skills they would require upon admission at LUMS.

A dynamic and experimental element added to this year’s session were ‘Energizers,’ a series of fun activities designed to focus on the key themes of teamwork, self-confidence, equality and diversity, and ethics. These Energizers allowed students to think outside the box and gave them the chance to engage in multi-faceted discussions and group work.

Interspersed between classes, candidates had the opportunity to listen to some of the brightest minds in and outside LUMS through various motivational talks. Dr. Tariq Jadoon from the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering informed the candidates about the various disciplines and majors offered at LUMS while Dr. Muhammad Tariq urged them to identify the skills and talent they possess. Well-known corporate trainer, Ahmed Fuad was also invited to give a motivational lecture. LUMS alumni, Haseeb Ashfaq, Muhammad Abu Bakar and Waqas Haider spoke of their journeys at LUMS and encouraged students to face their fears and be their own competition.

However, it was not all work and no play for the candidates. This year an array of extra-curricular activities were designed to give students a taste of the life at LUMS. The session’s first major event kicked off with the academic gameshow, ‘Challenge Your Talent’ whereby students engaged in academic and fun activities. Highlighting the importance of physical activity, the Sports Gala took place in the second week of the session, providing students the chance to engage in sports such as badminton, table tennis, cricket, volleyball, football and basketball.  The ‘Scavenger Hunt’ saw multiple teams solving clues scattered across the campus to win a grand prize.

Candidates showed off their performance skills at the ‘Drama and Music Night.’ They presented a play based on the importance of taking paths less travelled and the Music Night showcased music from all provinces of Pakistan.

The two-week session, provided unparalleled academic coaching coupled with a diverse set of educational and extra-curricular activities, which not only set the foundation for applying to LUMS but has in fact equipped them with skills which they can utilise in all areas of their academic careers.

With the NOP Application Submission Deadline scheduled to close on March 5, 2019, the final stretch of outreach visits was conducted in Lahore and its surrounding areas from February 6-18, 2019. Over the course of 2 weeks we visited the neighbouring cities of Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Sheikhupura reaching out to a total of 1800 students in 22 colleges.

Famous for its sugarcanes, Okara was the NOP Team’s first stop where 4 colleges were visited and students were educated on the Programme. Mr. Rao Muhammad Riaz, Assistant Professor Government College, Okara, praised the session and stated that the motivational aspect of the presentation would definitely help students create good concrete future plans. Mr. Munir Ahmad, Assistant Professor Divisional Public College, Okara, too remarked positively at the disseminated information.

Sahiwal was visited next. Here too students were given information about the NOP Scholarship and how they can apply. Mr. Muhamamd Rafiq, Vice Principal Divisional Public College, Sahiwal, thanked LUMS for bringing NOP and the opportunities with it to the college’s doorstep.

After Sahiwal, the NOP Team was hosted at Gujranwala. Specific focus was given to Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering students educating them about the wide variety of fields offered at LUMS. Ms. Wahida Abbas, Assistant Professor Government College for Women, Gujranwala, expressed her admiration for the passion with which LUMS reaches out to the country’s talent.

The NOP Team then headed on to Kasur, the city of the famed Sufi philosopher and poet, Baba Bulleh Shah. Despite the torrential rain, it was heartening to see ambitious students willing to learn and understand the varied opportunities available to them at LUMS. Mr. Farhan Mudassar, Campus Administrator Punjab College, Kasur, praised the information session conducted and suggested that LUMS should invite student counsellors and educate them on the NOP so they too may spread the message of accessible quality education in their communities.

The hometown of Allama Iqbal, Sialkot, was the next stop in the tour, where educators and students warmly welcomed the Team. The respective students at the resident colleges were informed of the facilities at LUMS, especially the dedicated focus on research. Ms. Saima Amin, Assistant Professor Government College University, Sialkot vowed to ensure students under her tutelage would certainly apply for the opportunity of a lifetime.

The last city visited outside of Lahore was Sheikhupura. Once again students were walked through the process of the NOP and questions on the NOP Online Application process were answered by the Team.
Within Lahore, LUMS was contacted by the CARE Foundation who wanted an information session conducted for its students from various colleges within the city. The diverse group were given guidance on the NOP process and the students were actively motivated to think outside the box, take paths less travelled and never be afraid of pursuing dreams.
In conclusion, the various NOP sessions in the multiple cities are sure to bring applications from talented students spread out across Pakistan.

The National Outreach Programme (NOP) at LUMS is a prestigious scholarship that aims to educate brilliant individuals from underprivileged backgrounds from across Pakistan. As part of the programme, the NOP outreach team visits different areas in Pakistan to seek out talented students. During an outreach visit to the Swat Valley from October 7–11, 2019, the team visited 10 colleges and held information sessions with approximately 900 students across the cities of Swat, Chitral, Timergara, Kuragh, Mingora and Saidu Sharif.

The presentations highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities available at LUMS, as well as the University’s focus on producing cutting edge research. The team also talked about the faculty members – the majority of which have doctorate degrees from the finest institutions around the world. The team also shared an overview of the Programme, as well as the application process. This visit marked the first time that Outreach had been extended to the small town of Kuragh – 2.5 hours away from the main city of Chitral, where the team also met the students of Aga Khan Higher Secondary College.

The team was pleased to note the enthusiasm of the students, and their commitment to education. All students had scored more than 80% in their Matric examinations. The feedback received was very positive. Jaffar Ali, Admin Head Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Chitral, stated that the session held was excellent and would surely motivate students to pursue their higher education goals. The Outreach efforts in the Swat Valley were a success overall, and the team is confident that promising applications will be received from this area for the 2020 NOP Summer Coaching Session.

The National Outreach Programme (NOP) at LUMS is a prestigious scholarship that aims to educate brilliant individuals from underprivileged backgrounds from across Pakistan. As part of the programme, the NOP outreach team visits different areas in Pakistan to seek out talented students. During an outreach visit to Azad Kashmir from September 23–25, 2019, the team visited 8 colleges and held information sessions with approximately 600 students.

Scenic rivers, serene valleys and lush foliage is what characterises one of the northernmost provinces of Pakistan – Azad Kashmir. However, it is not just natural beauty that makes this province so special, but also the high literacy rate and talented students that reside within. The outreach team kept Muzaffarabad as its base and traversed to Bagh and Rawalakot.

Despite the prevailing political situation, the morale of the students was extremely high, with many eager to learn about the opportunities offered by LUMS. After a detailed presentation on the Undergraduate programme offerings at the University, an overview of the process of applying to the NOP Summer Coaching Session was given, followed by Q&A sessions where students obtained more information on the application process, as well as LUMS as a whole.

The feedback received from educators was very positive. Azhar Shah, Principal of the Chinar Degree College Bagh, praised the unique opportunity offered by the LUMS NOP for talented yet underprivileged students. Dr. Nasir Ali, Head Lecturer at the Read Foundation College of Science, Muzaffarabad, remarked positively at the information session held and commented that it would greatly benefit the students of his college.

Every year the National Outreach Programme (NOP) Centre plans its annual outreach with the objective of not just educating bright yet underprivileged students across Pakistan, but also promoting the message of higher education. Students are informed of how they can apply to the NOP Summer Coaching Session and how that places them on the right track for eventual admission to the LUMS Undergraduate programme on 100% scholarship. In lieu of the same, visits are planned by the outreach team in all major provinces and cities of Pakistan, reaching out to the government and semi-government institutions.

This year, the NOP team kicked off their outreach visits from Abbottabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Founded by Major James Abbot, the city is a historic one and boasts an array of educational institutions. The team conducted visits in Haripur, Mansehra, Shinkiari, Batrasi and Murree, visiting 20 colleges and reaching out to more than 500 students from September 23-27, 2019.

Some of the highlights in this first stint were the visits and presentations made to cadet colleges, where students from various ethnicities and cultural heritage were found. Furthermore, walk-in sessions were also conducted in colleges where prior appointments had not particularly been set – seeing the stellar reputation of the LUMS NOP, these colleges warmly welcomed the team and facilitated the session.

As with all such visits, a process of feedback was maintained with all the focal persons of the colleges visited. Lubna Adeem, Assistant Professor at the Government Postgraduate College for Women, Haripur commented that the session was extremely useful and would surely help students avail higher education opportunities. Mr. Zubair Ahmed, Vice Principal at the Peace College, Mansehra, praised the session and pledged his support to the NOP cause. Mr. Ibrar Shah, Principal at the New Shaheen College Shinkiari, lauded the efforts of LUMS in reaching out to talented students in the area.

With the high quality of students found in this region LUMS hopes to see a number of brilliant applications for the NOP Summer Coaching Session this year.

The National Outreach Programme (NOP) at LUMS is a prestigious scholarship that aims to educate brilliant individuals from underprivileged backgrounds from across Pakistan. As part of the programme, the NOP outreach team visits different areas in Pakistan to seek out talented students. During an outreach visit to the Swat Valley from October 7–11, 2019, the team visited 10 colleges and held information sessions with approximately 900 students across the cities of Swat, Chitral, Timergara, Kuragh, Mingora and Saidu Sharif.

The presentations highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities available at LUMS, as well as the University’s focus on producing cutting edge research. The team also talked about the faculty members – the majority of which have doctorate degrees from the finest institutions around the world. The team also shared an overview of the Programme, as well as the application process. This visit marked the first time that Outreach had been extended to the small town of Kuragh – 2.5 hours away from the main city of Chitral, where the team also met the students of Aga Khan Higher Secondary College.

The team was pleased to note the enthusiasm of the students, and their commitment to education. All students had scored more than 80% in their Matric examinations. The feedback received was very positive. Jaffar Ali, Admin Head Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Chitral, stated that the session held was excellent and would surely motivate students to pursue their higher education goals. The Outreach efforts in the Swat Valley were a success overall, and the team is confident that promising applications will be received from this area for the 2020 NOP Summer Coaching Session.

The National Outreach Programme Team as part of their outreach visits reached out to various students in Mianwali and its surrounding areas including Dera Ismail Khan, Bhakkar, Khushab and Sargodha. The visit took place from October 21 - 25 and a total of 14 colleges were visited with more than 700 students reached out to.

Students were informed of the wonderful opportunities available for talented students through the National Outreach Programme scholarship and were guided on the application process. Question and Answer sessions were also held where the audience got a chance to inquire about the admission criteria and the LUMS facilities that will be available to them.

Feedback obtained from the educators in the region was very positive. Ms. Ruqia Khatoon, Principal at the Government College for Women Mianwali, thanked the team for visiting their college and assured them that she would definitely motivate her students to apply. Similarly, Ms. Sadia Naz, Deputy Head at the Daanish Girls School Mianwali, praised the informative nature of the session and stated that student’s under her tutelage were eager to submit their application for the NOP Summer Coaching Session 2020.