Students from Grades 8–12 embark on a two-day journey to transform aspirations into actionable career plans
Hyderabad: 07th August, 2026: Premia Academy inaugurated the third edition of its flagship YOLO Student Summit, bringing together students from Grades 8 to 12 for an immersive two-day experience designed to help them explore their potential, discover future career pathways and build the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The summit was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjay Kalvakuntla, MLA, Korutla Constituency, who encouraged students to embrace curiosity, innovation and lifelong learning as they prepare for the careers of tomorrow.
Building on the success of its previous editions, this year’s YOLO Summit has been designed as a practical launchpad where students move beyond classroom learning and engage directly with real-world challenges. Through a thoughtfully curated blend of masterclasses, workshops, networking opportunities and breakout sessions, the summit equips students with actionable tools to confidently shape their academic and professional journeys.
The first day of the summit focused on transforming ideas into action while introducing students to the mindset and skills required to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The day commenced with inspiring masterclasses on “Vision Board to Action Plan” and “Brain Bluechip Investment,” encouraging students to translate aspirations into structured goals while developing a long-term approach to personal growth and decision-making. Students explored one of the defining questions of the future through the interactive workshop, “Algorithms vs. Authenticity: Navigating the Human Premium in the Age of AI,” which examined how creativity, emotional intelligence and authentic human skills will remain indispensable in an AI-powered workplace.
The summit continued with a series of immersive masterclasses designed to equip students with practical life skills rarely taught in traditional classrooms. “No Cap, Just Capital: How to Actually Make Your Money Do the Most” demystified personal finance by introducing students to the fundamentals of budgeting, investing, wealth creation and smart financial decision-making, encouraging them to build healthy money habits from an early age.
Workshops such as “The Gen Z Navigation Guide: Which ‘Ship’ Are You On?” prompted students to reflect on their personal aspirations, relationships, emotional well-being and life choices, helping them better understand themselves as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and an increasingly interconnected world. Meanwhile, “Side Hustle” inspired participants to look beyond conventional career trajectories, demonstrating how passion, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can be transformed into meaningful ventures and alternative income opportunities in today’s digital and creator-driven economy.
Bringing a refreshing blend of humour and insight to the summit, stand-up comedian Mayank Parakh presented “The Gen Z Roasted & Toasted,” an engaging session that used comedy as a powerful medium to address the realities of growing up in a hyperconnected world. Through relatable anecdotes and interactive conversations, he encouraged students to embrace their individuality, navigate societal pressures with confidence, and view setbacks as stepping stones rather than obstacles, leaving them with lessons that were as thought-provoking as they were entertaining.
The afternoon sessions shifted the focus towards higher education and long-term career planning through insightful workshops that empowered students to make informed academic choices. “India as a Destination for Education” challenged the conventional notion that success lies solely in studying abroad, showcasing India’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, world-class institutions, emerging interdisciplinary programmes, and growing opportunities in research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The session encouraged students to evaluate educational pathways based on their aspirations, strengths and future industry demands rather than popular perception.
Complementing this was “Choose Your Fighter: The Competitive Exam Showdown,” an interactive workshop that demystified India’s diverse entrance examination ecosystem. Students gained clarity on the purpose, scope and career opportunities associated with examinations such as JEE, NEET, CLAT, CUET, SAT and other specialised pathways, enabling them to identify the route best aligned with their interests and ambitions. Rather than viewing competitive examinations as one-size-fits-all milestones, participants were encouraged to adopt a strategic and informed approach to academic planning, reducing uncertainty and empowering them to make confident decisions about their future.
The day concluded with interactive breakout sessions including “Cap Your Identity” and “Doodle Your Destiny,” where students collaborated, reflected on their strengths and visualised their future through creative exercises. These experiential sessions encouraged participants to define their personal identities, articulate their aspirations and prepare for the innovation challenges and competitions scheduled for Day Two.
Unlike conventional career counselling events, the YOLO Summit combined thought-provoking conversations with practical, hands-on learning. Every session was carefully designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution by helping students develop entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, AI readiness, communication skills and emotional resilience.
Speaking about the summit, Ms. Sinduri Reddy, Founder, Premia Academy, said: “The future belongs to those who can adapt, innovate and lead with confidence. Through the YOLO Summit, we are giving students something far more valuable than career advice—we are providing them with experiences that build clarity, courage and conviction. Every masterclass, workshop and interaction is designed to help students stop guessing about the future and start creating it. At Premia Academy, we believe education must prepare children not just for examinations, but for life.”
Ms. Trupti Rao, Principal, Premia Academy, added: “Today’s students are entering a world where careers are evolving faster than ever before. Schools therefore have a responsibility to go beyond textbooks and create meaningful opportunities that expose students to real-world thinking and problem-solving. The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed on Day One reaffirm that young learners are eager to explore, question and discover. The YOLO Summit provides exactly that platform, enabling them to make informed choices with confidence.”
As the summit moves into its second day, students will participate in advanced workshops, collaborative challenges, innovation competitions and expert-led sessions that will build upon the foundation laid on Day One.
In its third edition, the YOLO Summit continues to strengthen Premia Academy’s commitment to preparing students for an unpredictable future by fostering entrepreneurship, financial awareness, leadership, technological adaptability and holistic personal development—empowering every learner to transform ambition into action.