Application and Selection

• 10,955 SCS 2024 applications were received through the NOP Online Application System
• 16% increase in applications (Up from 9,439 in SCS 2023 to 10,955 in SCS 2024)
• 800 students shortlisted & 709 attended the on-campus session for further evaluation and exposure

Demographics for SCS 2024

• Gender Representation: Among the 709 on-campus participants, approximately 67% were male and 33% female
• Regional Representation: Participation from Balochistan increased by approximately 57% in 2024, while Sindh saw a growth of about 33% compared to 2023
• Minority Participation: Approximately 17% of the 709 participants from minority communities, reflecting the programme’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Strategic Collaboration: A total of 120 participants in the 2024 Summer Coaching Session (SCS) were sponsored by HEC-USAID. This partnership, based on defined selection criteria, significantly enhanced access and outreach through targeted strategic engagement.

Programme Structure

• The academic component included core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Basic Sciences, and Life Skills, forming the foundation of the curriculum.
• 12 students from SBASSE delivered foundational instruction in the basic sciences, while 14 trainers from SOE led life skills training for 709 SCS participants—promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting the holistic development of students
• Participants benefitted from targeted skill-building sessions in digital marketing, copywriting, freelancing, and LinkedIn profile optimisation—empowering them to strengthen their professional competencies and establish a strong online presence.
• Additional modules on Critical Thinking, Presentation Skills, and Digital Literacy were introduced to strengthen students’ analytical and communication competencies.

Co-Curricular Activities

• Academic Gameshow titled "Challenge Your Talent" encouraged learning through interactive competition.
• Motivational talks emphasised themes of resilience, self-discovery, and personal development, while also introducing students to contemporary issues such as the role of artificial intelligence in education and the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Students also engaged with vibrant campus life through activities organised by student societies: SLUMS, DRAMALINE, the LUMS Music Society, and Dance LUMS.
• The Sports Gala and Drama & Music Night served as key events to promote creativity, teamwork, and community building among participants.

Expansion to New Regions

NOP expanded its outreach to 20% new cities and towns across Pakistan, covering 19 out of 91 locations. Notable additions included:

• Sindh: Larkana, Dadu, Nawabshah, Qambar, Naseerabad & Tando Ghulam Ali
• Baltistan: Khaplu & Shigar, Kharmang

Community Engagement

• Collaborations were established with organisations such as Tasswur-e-Umeed Foundation Sindh, JDC, and Hindu Seva to reach diverse communities.
• Partnerships with educational institutions, including the Aga Khan Education Board, AKESP, and AKHSS schools, were strengthened.

Open Days

• The NOP Centre participated in the 4th Career Fair organised by the Development of Human Resource (DoHR), where it also hosted its first Open Day in Tando Ghulam Ali, Interior Sindh, expanding outreach efforts in the region.
• The fifth Open Day in Quetta drew participation from 1,000 individuals, including a significant number of women, schoolteachers, principals, and parents.

Education Ambassador Programme

Current LUMS students played a pivotal role in spreading NOP awareness in seven cities, reaching out to over 1,000 students through the NOP Education Ambassador Programme.

• 1. Freshmen Counselling Form
  A counselling form was introduced for freshmen to complete following their initial meeting. This initiative provided early support and helped students adjust to university life, contributing to a decline in early dropout rates.
• 4. Reduced Withdrawal Rate
  Counselling sessions created a safe space for students to express the challenges they were facing. Tailored solutions enabled them to overcome difficulties, resulting in a noticeable drop in student withdrawals.
• 7. L'Oréal Internships
  A collaboration with L'Oréal enabled students to secure competitive internships, offering industry exposure, skill development, and networking opportunities in a global corporate environment.
• 10. Pre-Semester Programme
  Held a week before the official orientation, this programme helped NOP freshmen settle into campus life by building confidence, easing anxiety, and boosting their academic and social readiness before the semester began.

• 2. Follow-ups
  Follow-up calls were conducted two weeks after freshmen’s initial counselling session to assess their adjustment and to offer continued support. This helped prevent isolation and addressed emerging concerns.
• 5. Support for Vulnerable Students
  Targeted support was provided to students with CGPAs below 2. Through counselling, follow-ups, and connecting them with mentors and faculty advisors, many students showed significant academic improvement.
• 8. Student Success Planning
  In-depth counselling sessions (1.5–2 hours) focused on career reflection, goal setting, and educational alignment. These sessions helped students develop a clear academic and professional roadmap, boosting motivation and planning.

• 3. Academic Probation Recovery
  All students on academic probation successfully returned to good standing through individualised counselling sessions. The sessions focused on study techniques, goal setting, and emotional well-being.
• 6. Job Placement through X-Academy
  Students facing financial stress were connected to full-time and part-time opportunities, including tutoring jobs. These roles offered both income and skill-building experiences alongside academic commitments.
• 9. Campus Events
  Events such as stress-relief activities, themed get-togethers, and brown bag lunches with Syed Babar Ali fostered community, reduced stress, and enhanced student well-being. They promoted social bonding and a sense of belonging across different class years.

• NOP Pre-Semester Workshops (longstanding): Training in university policies, academic skills, and peer learning was provided to help students prepare for their time at LUMS before the campus-wide orientation week.
• Communication and Presentation Tutors: Provided support through individual office hours, weekly group sessions, and workshops.
• Sophomore Success Planning: Encouraged sophomores to set academic and well-being goals with the NOP counsellor.
• Staff Panels and Discussions: Discussions with Advising Units and the SSI team to increase student comfort level with staff and encourage greater engagement.

• Peer Mentorship for First-Year Students: All first-year NOP students were paired with a junior or senior NOP student who regularly checked in on their well-being, providing support where needed.
• Argumentation & Logical Reasoning Tutors: Support was provided to help students use logical reasoning to develop concrete arguments through office hours and weekly group sessions.
• Learning Communities: Peer mentors facilitated study sessions helped instill academic
• Online Skill Building: Students could enroll in various skill courses from a curated list to enhance their skill sets.

• Dedicated Writing Tutors in Academic Support Lab: A dedicated tutor provided basic writing support through individual appointments and workshops.
• Mathematics Skills Tutors: Support provided through office hours/group sessions for foundational Mathematics skills.
• Faculty Lunches: Informal interactions among juniors and faculty over a sponsored

• NOP Counsellor (longstanding): A designated counsellor is available to support NOP students with diverse concerns.
• Student-Initiated Programming: Students proposed programmes that could benefit themselves and their peers. Promising ideas were then provided with logistical support and funding, including skill-building workshops, de-stressing game nights, etc.

• Peer-Led Wellness Programme: SSI launched a Wellness lab, where Wellness Ambassadors held office hours and group sessions to create a safe space for students to share their well-being concerns. They also hosted wellness walks, breakfasts, and de-stressing events throughout the year.
• Financial Well-being Support: As an extension of the wellness programme, support was provided to address financial concerns and to teach basic budgeting and saving strategies to struggling students.

• Peer Buddies: Provided support by helping matched students set and implement academic and well-being goals.

• Career Peer Tutors: Trained peer tutors supported career readiness through office hours and workshops.
• Alumni Panels: Alumni were welcomed back to campus to share their experiences with current students on topics relating to career readiness, graduate studies, etc. In some cases, they also facilitated skill-building sessions.

• Community Mentorship Pilot: Selected junior students were matched with professional leaders to enhance their exposure to life beyond LUMS.
• Skills Based Workshops: Included Microsoft Office, Canva, time management, freelancing, communication skills and related areas.

• Alumni Mentorship: Senior students were matched with alumni based on their post-LUMS plans, receiving guidance on career planning or pursuing higher education.