Launched in 2010, the Karakum Scholars Roundtable (KSRT) is an annual conference held in locations around the world for Turkmen college students. Past KSRTs have been held in Kyrgyzstan and in Bulgaria. KSRT is a 4-day program focused on the theoretical underpinnings of civil society and practical project management training.

This conference also provides an opportunity for KSRT participants to put their ideas and training into action. During the KSRT, participants submit community service project proposals. On the final day of the conference, all of the participants elect a “Projects Committee” and they vote on which project proposal they will carry out. The KSRT Projects Committee receives a grant from TYCVF to support their community service projects for the year. The Projects Committee is comprised of 4-5 Turkmen college students who are mentored by the Program Manager for KSRT as they manage their budget, develop a plan for project implementation and carry out the project inTurkmenistan.

Past KSRT participants are encouraged to continue working as a group to plan and carry out community service projects. TYCVF provides funding for these projects on a competitive basis for previous KSRT participants.