Texas College of Management and IT, a university under the wider Texas International Education Network, partners with Aspire Institute to expand leadership development opportunities not only for its own students but for youth across Nepal, particularly those in underserved communities.
An Educational Network Supporting Nepal’s Youth
The Texas International Education Network provides schooling across primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Texas College of Management and IT serves as one of its key campuses. The college offers specialized programs in management, information technology, cybersecurity, network technology, and hospitality management, serving approximately 7,000 students.
Shared Visions: Expanding Leadership Development Opportunities in Nepal
The partnership between Aspire Institute and Texas College of Management and IT stems from a shared commitment to develop well-rounded citizens who give back to their communities. Sarala Karki, Director of Research in the Learning and Development Department, partnered with Aspire while at a previous institution after admiring the Aspire Leaders Program design and Harvard faculty involvement. Dr. Govinda Prasad Acharya, Chief of Academics, believes this collaboration can support Texas College in furthering their community engagement efforts.
The college’s social work program and community outreach requirements align particularly well with the Aspire Leaders Program. Currently, we are exploring making the program a requirement for all social work students.
As a private college where many students receive scholarships, Texas provides non-accredited programs to complement degree programs with workforce-ready skills. This approach aligns with Aspire Institute’s mission to provide accessible leadership development opportunities as well as continued workforce readiness skills.
“We design programs every semester, starting from communication to leadership to AI,” Karki explained. “We invest a huge sum of money [and] we don’t charge our students.”
Expanding Beyond Campus: Community Outreach Initiatives
Texas College of Management and IT’s partnership with Aspire Institute extends beyond serving their own students.
“Nepali youths who domicile in rural places are underprivileged regarding prospects of developing qualities to handle the emerging challenges of today and tomorrow,” Acharya said.
Acharya has witnessed that Texas College’s involvement and programs like the Aspire Leaders Program support global exposure, confidence building, and a desire to achieve more locally and globally.
With the hope of expanding the reach of these programs to rural communities, Karki and Acharya presented to an institution working to enhance the quality of higher education in Nepal.
“We have been shortlisted by the University Grants Commission, where we have proposed [bringing] the Aspire Leaders Program [through] an outreach program to one of the [rural] districts of Nepal,” Karki shared.
This proposal represents a significant step toward addressing leadership development gaps in Nepal’s rural communities. If this is not approved, we will continue to collaborate and create opportunities to empower young leaders.
Aspire Leaders Program Impact and Alumni Opportunities
Students participating in the Aspire Leaders Program have provided valuable feedback about their experiences, which Karki has observed firsthand.
The program’s impact extends beyond individual development to inspiring entrepreneurial thinking.
“One of our students, seeing the Aspire platform, has pitched us a similar kind of business,” Karki said.
The global networking opportunities have been particularly valuable for students.
“Many of our students who recently completed [the Aspire Leaders Program] are excited because they get this global platform,” Karki noted. “They have met many friends [and] are doing projects collaboratively.
Guiding Words for Emerging Leaders
Karki’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people stems from her own experiences seeking growth opportunities. Raised by a single mother, Karki searched for many opportunities. Therefore, she encourages youth today to continue to find these opportunities.
“I personally really strived to get such opportunities,” she shared.
Her advice for today’s young leaders emphasizes accountability and being a lifelong learner even once they enter a career.
“I want them to learn, unlearn, and relearn in their life,” Karki encouraged. “That’s very valuable.”
Looking Ahead: New Collaborative Initiatives and Expanded Impacted
Looking ahead, the partnership continues to evolve with new initiatives. There are already some ambassadors on campus who are helping Karki and her team inspire others to join the Aspire Leaders Program. On July 12th, they will help host the first in-person graduation ceremony for ALP alumni. This collaboration represents a model for how global leadership development programs can adapt and expand in other nations worldwide.
“If given opportunity, [Nepali youths] can shine and contribute to the society,” Acharya expressed.
The partnership between Texas College of Management and IT and Aspire Institute demonstrates how institutions can extend their impact beyond their campuses. Together, we can serve broader community development goals and create a pipeline of leaders who will contribute positively to Nepali communities and communities worldwide.
“I hope students will grab opportunities like Aspire, and many more,” Karki concluded. “Today’s generations are really graced with so many things,” Karki concluded.
