UIN Jakarta Welcomes Youth Ekselensia Scholarship (YES) Students to Foster Leadership and Education

Diorama Room, UIN News Online – UIN Jakarta warmly hosted 36 high school, vocational school, and Islamic high school students who are recipients of the Youth Ekselensia Scholarship (YES) on Friday (17/01/2025). The visit was part of the Young Leadership Festival 2025 (YLF25) activities and aimed to inspire and motivate these outstanding students, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds across nine regions in Indonesia.

The students were welcomed by representatives from UIN Jakarta's Information and Public Relations Center (PIH) and the university’s Cooperation Team.

In his opening remarks, Zaenal Muttaqin, M.Ag., Head of PIH UIN Jakarta, expressed his appreciation for the visit, emphasizing its significance in introducing higher education opportunities to promising young minds.

“It is an honor for us to welcome YES participants. This visit will allow students to experience campus life firsthand and gain insight into higher education. We hope this will inspire them to pursue their academic and personal goals with determination,” he said.

During their visit, the students participated in interactive sessions designed to enhance their skills and competence, particularly in making positive contributions to society. They were also treated to a campus tour aboard UIN Jakarta’s eco-friendly electric bus, BILIS, offering them a glimpse into the university’s facilities and commitment to sustainable, environmentally conscious practices.

One of the YES participants, Rohana, shared her excitement about the experience,
“Alhamdulillah, visiting my dream university has been such a rewarding experience. I have learned so much, and Insha'Allah, this motivates me even more to study here in the future,” she said.

YES Program Chair, Yulianti, highlighted the importance of the visit in inspiring the participants to strive for success. “YES aims to cultivate students who are not only intellectually capable but also possess strong character and leadership qualities. This visit provides invaluable insights that fuel their enthusiasm to achieve their dreams,” she said.

The collaboration between UIN Jakarta and initiatives like YES seeks to address educational disparities in Indonesia by offering greater opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. This synergy aligns with UIN Jakarta’s mission to provide inclusive, high-quality education while fostering leadership and innovation.

YES is an integrated educational scholarship program that supports students from underprivileged backgrounds, empowering them to excel academically and personally. The program assigns mentors in targeted regions to guide participants, helping them reach their full potential and build a brighter future. YES graduates are expected to embody intellectual prowess, strong moral character, and leadership capabilities, making significant contributions to their communities.

This visit symbolizes a step forward in strengthening the ties between UIN Jakarta and scholarship initiatives like YES, ensuring more students are inspired and prepared to achieve excellence in higher education and beyond.

(Alfina Ika Arianti/Aida Adha S./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)