The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program is a competitive, free academic and leadership initiative aimed at secondary school students across Africa who are eager to pursue higher education and make a positive impact as young leaders. YYAS offers two unique programs: an online College Prep Workshop and an in-person Residential Leadership Summit in Kenya. Both sessions equip students with the skills, guidance, and resources they need to navigate university admissions and prepare for meaningful contributions to their communities.
Program Details
In 2025, YYAS will offer two summer programs:
- YYAS Online College Prep Workshop (July 17–22, 2025):
- Format: A 6-day virtual program that focuses on college preparation.
- Participants: Open to approximately 200 students across Africa.
- Cost: Entirely free of charge.
- Requirements: Reliable access to Zoom via a mobile device, tablet, or computer.
- Completion: Students receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion (PDF) to add to their college applications.
- YYAS Residential Leadership Summit in Kenya (August 9–17, 2025):
- Format: A 9-day residential program hosted on a school campus in Kenya.
- Participants: Limited to 100 students across Africa.
- Focus Areas: Includes college prep, leadership, innovation, design, and 21st-century skills.
- Cost: Tuition-free, including housing, meals, and academic materials.
- Completion: Students receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion (PDF) for use in college applications.
Travel and Financial Support
For students admitted to the Residential Leadership Summit, YYAS provides several travel-related options:
- Self-funded Travel: Students must coordinate and fundraise for their travel to Kenya if they do not receive additional financial support.
- Travel Grant: A limited number of need-based travel grants are available for students residing outside Kenya. Grant eligibility is reviewed automatically for all applicants, and any award decision is included with the admission offer.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply to YYAS, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be between 14 and 18 years old on July 17, 2025.
- English Proficiency: Must be able to engage in an academic program conducted in English.
- Citizenship: Open to citizens or permanent residents of African countries, including refugees living in Africa.
- School Location: Applicants must currently attend school in an African country.
- Grade Level: Must be in 10th or 11th grade (or international equivalent).
- Graduation Date:
- Northern Hemisphere students must graduate between May 2026 and May 2027.
- Southern Hemisphere students must graduate between November 2025 and November 2026. Note: Students in their final year of secondary school or who have graduated or started university are not eligible to apply.
Application Timeline
- Early Action Deadline: October 24, 2024 (Decision by December 20, 2024)
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 20, 2025 (Decision by March 20, 2025)
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as it allows more time to prepare travel documents if selected.
Application Steps
- Check Eligibility: Review the YYAS criteria to confirm eligibility.
- Prepare Application Components: Access a sample application to gather necessary information.
- Collect Contact Information: Get contact details from a parent/guardian, teacher, or school official for references.
- Apply Online: Submit an online application by creating an account with an email and password. Regularly check the application review page for any missing information.
- Submit Application: Once complete, submit your application and look out for a confirmation email within 24–48 hours.
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the YYAS program?
Students who are citizens or permanent residents of African countries, aged 14–18, and currently in 10th or 11th grade (or equivalent) are eligible to apply.
2. What does the YYAS program cover?
YYAS is a free program, covering tuition and related materials. For the Residential Summit, housing and meals are also provided.
3. Is there any financial support for travel to the Residential Summit in Kenya?
YYAS offers a limited number of need-based travel grants for students living outside Kenya. All applicants are automatically considered for travel grants based on need.
4. Can I attend both the Online College Prep Workshop and the Residential Leadership Summit?
No, students may attend only one session but can indicate their session preference in the application.
5. How will I know if I’ve been accepted?
You will receive an email notification regarding your admission status on the specified decision release dates.
For more information, visit the official YYAS website.