The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is now open for applications! Organized by Yale University, YYAS is a free academic and leadership development program for outstanding African secondary school students (ages 14–18) who aspire to pursue higher education and make a lasting impact across the continent.
Application Deadline: Not specified in the provided information.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) 2027 Program is an intensive academic and enrichment program for African secondary school students who plan to pursue tertiary education and want to make meaningful contributions as young leaders in Africa.
In 2027, YYAS will offer two program options:
- YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online): 15–20 July 2027 (6 days)
- YYAS Residential Leadership Summit: 7–15 August 2027 (9 days) in Rwanda
Students may indicate their preferred session(s) on the application form, but each student can receive only one offer of admission to either the online or residential program.
There are no tuition costs for participation in either program.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The programs focus on:
- Career exploration
- University application preparation
- University admission and financial aid guidance
- Academic skills development
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Design
- 21st-century skills
The Residential Leadership Summit covers the same college-preparation topics as the online workshop, with additional leadership, innovation, design, and 21st-century skills programming.
Type:
Academic enrichment, college preparation, and leadership program.
Who Can Apply?
YYAS is designed for African secondary school students planning to pursue tertiary education.
All students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. The admissions committee gives preference to high-achieving, low-income (HALI) students who do not have access to university guidance in their schools or communities.
The 2027 programs are open to students across all countries in Africa.
For the online program, applicants must have access to a mobile phone, tablet, and/or computer and reliable internet for the duration of the program.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applications are reviewed by the YYAS admissions committee.
The committee gives preference to high-achieving, low-income students who lack university guidance in their schools or communities.
Applicants may also be considered for the YYGS Program through the same YYAS application by indicating their interest in YYGS at the beginning of the application.
Applicants receive one offer of admission to either YYAS or YYGS after the applications are reviewed.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The program is open to students from all countries in Africa.
The Residential Leadership Summit takes place in Rwanda.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The program has two formats:
- Online College Prep Workshop: Online, from 15–20 July 2027.
- Residential Leadership Summit: Rwanda, from 7–15 August 2027.
The Residential Summit will take place on a residential school campus.
How Many Awards?
- Approximately 240 students will be admitted to the Online College Prep Workshop.
- Approximately 110 students will be admitted to the Residential Leadership Summit.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Online College Prep Workshop
The online program is entirely free of charge.
Participants will receive:
- College and university preparation
- Career exploration
- Guidance on the university application process
- Guidance on financial aid applications
- Academic skills development
- Access to a network of young African leaders
- A PDF YYAS Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing the program
Residential Leadership Summit
The Residential Summit is tuition-free ($0) and provides:
- Free housing
- Free meals
- All academic curriculum materials
- College preparation and university application guidance
- Leadership development
- Innovation, design, and 21st-century skills development
- A PDF YYAS Certificate of Completion upon successful completion
There are also a limited number of need-based Travel Grants for students admitted to the Residential Summit who live outside the host country. All applicants are automatically reviewed for Travel Grant eligibility.
Students who do not receive a Travel Grant must arrange and pay for or fundraise for their travel expenses.
YYAS plans to provide free transportation from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to the host school for students traveling from outside Rwanda by air.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Online College Prep Workshop: 6 days — 15–20 July 2027.
- Residential Leadership Summit: 9 days — 7–15 August 2027.
Students are expected to attend the full program. YYAS states that students must be present throughout the programming to receive their certificate.
How to Apply:
Applicants should apply through the official YYAS application process.
Students can indicate their interest in both YYAS and YYGS through a single application. Applicants should not create separate applications, as the system only recognizes one application.
Applicants should also indicate their preferred YYAS program session(s) on the application form.
