Yale Young African Scholars Program – Apply Now to Become a Future Leader!

Applications are now open for the Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) 2025.

This programme offers an enriching experience for African secondary school students who are planning to pursue higher education and aim to become young leaders in their communities.

The YYAS focuses on enhancing academic skills, providing university admission guidance, and fostering a network of future leaders across Africa.

Program Dates

There are two sessions offered in 2025:

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

Participants can choose to attend one session and indicate their preference during the application process.

Summer 2025 Offerings

In 2025, the YYAS will offer two different programmes:

Online College Prep Workshop: Conducted virtually for students across Africa.
Residential Leadership Summit: Held in Kenya with a focus on leadership and innovation.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Yale Young African Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be between 14-18 years old as of 17 July 2025.
Have proficiency in English to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum.
Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. Refugees living in Africa may also apply.
Currently attend school in an African country.
Be in 10th or 11th grade or the equivalent international level.
Must graduate from secondary school between May/June 2026 and May/June 2027 for Northern Hemisphere students, or between November/December 2025 and November/December 2026 for Southern Hemisphere students.

Students in their final year of secondary school or who have graduated are not eligible to apply.

Program Details

YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online)

This six-day workshop will admit around 200 students.

Participants must have access to Zoom through their mobile device, tablet, or computer with a reliable internet connection.

The workshop focuses on college preparation and includes strict attendance rules, as students must complete the entire program.

Upon completion, students will receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion, which can be added to university applications.

This workshop is free of charge.

YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya)

The nine-day Residential Leadership Summit will admit around 100 students and take place at a residential school in Kenya.

The summit covers college preparation, leadership, and 21st-century skills. Like the online workshop, strict attendance rules apply.

All students will receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion upon successfully finishing the program.

This summit is tuition-free, with free housing, meals, and educational materials provided.

Travel Grant

For students accepted to the YYAS Residential Leadership Summit, a limited number of need-based Travel Grants are available.

Students living outside of Kenya may apply for travel support, and all applicants are automatically considered for this grant.

Those who do not qualify for the Travel Grant must arrange their own travel and documentation.

Application Timeline

The application process includes two deadlines:

Early Action Deadline: 24 October 2024, 11:59 PM ET.
Decisions released by 20 December 2024.
Regular Decision Deadline: 20 January 2025, 11:59 PM ET.
Decisions released by 20 March 2025.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Yale Young African Scholars Program:

Review the YYAS eligibility criteria.
Familiarise yourself with the application requirements.
Download the sample blank application to prepare your answers.
Gather the contact information of a parent/guardian, teacher, or school official to assist in completing your application.
Start your application on the YYAS application page.
Submit your application and check your email for a confirmation receipt.