The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is an intensive academic enrichment initiative designed to support African secondary school students who are planning to pursue tertiary education and have a passion for making a positive impact as young leaders on the continent. This program is fully funded by Yale University and includes tuition, meals, housing, and all academic materials.

Program Summary:

  • Host: Yale University
  • Location: USA
  • Category: High School Scholarships
  • Eligible Countries: African Countries
  • Reward: Full Sponsorship (Accommodation, Meals, Tuition)
  • No IELTS Required
  • Deadlines: Applicant Pool #1: Early Action (11:59 PM ET on 24 October 2024)

                                Applicant Pool #2: Regular Decision (11:59 PM ET on 20 January 2025)

 

Program Details:

YYAS provides participants with the opportunity to improve their academic skills, gain university admission guidance, explore career paths, and network with fellow young leaders from across Africa. Participants will be matched with mentors who will assist them with their university application process.

The program consists of two parts:

  • YYAS Online College Prep Workshop (6 days): July 17 – 22, 2025
  • YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya; 9 days): August 9 – 17, 2025

Students may only attend one session, but they can express their preference for the session in the application form.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the Yale Young African Scholars Program 2025, applicants must:

  • Be between the ages of 14-18 on the program dates in 2025 (born between August 18, 2006, and July 17, 2011).
  • Be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country (applications are also accepted from refugees living in Africa).
  • Be currently enrolled in school in an African country.
  • Be a current 10th or 11th-grade student (or the international equivalent).

Duration and Benefits:

  • The program is tuition-free ($0).
  • Provides free housing, meals, and all academic materials.
  • After the program, students will be paired with mentors to assist with the university application process.

Required Documents:

Applicants must submit the following:

  • One 500-word essay and one 200-word response
  • Two “fast take” responses (280 characters each)
  • Official school transcript
  • One Teacher Recommendation (who will complete the YYAS Recommendation Form)
  • Optional: English fluency test scores (TOEFL or DuoLingo)
  • Optional: Need-based financial aid

How to Apply: Click Here.