If you are an ambitious African secondary school student planning to pursue tertiary education and aspire to make a meaningful impact as a young leader on the continent, the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program is an excellent opportunity for you. Details in this article!
Yale Young African Scholars Program Summary
Location: Online and Nairobi, Kenya
Responsible Institution: Yale University
Level: Secondary School Students (Grades 10-11)
Programme Structure: Online College Prep Workshop (17 - 22 July 2025) and Residential Leadership Summit in Kenya (9 - 17 August 2025)
Funding: No tuition costs; limited need-based travel grants available
Duration: 6 days for the Online College Prep Workshop and 9 days for the Residential Leadership Summit
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
Eligible to: African secondary school students aged 14-18
YYAS Program Overview
The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program is an intensive academic and enrichment initiative designed for African secondary school students planning to pursue tertiary education and who wish to make meaningful impact as young leaders on the continent. The program offers two options in 2025: an Online College Prep Workshop and a Residential Leadership Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants will enhance their academic skills, receive guidance on university admissions and career path options, and join a network of young leaders from across Africa.
The YYAS program is modeled after its sister program, Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), and continues to operate under its umbrella. Participants will utilize various online platforms, including Zoom, to engage in seminars, lectures, and discussions.
Programme Structure
The program offers two options in 2025: an Online College Prep Workshop and a Residential Leadership Summit in Nairobi, Kenya as follows:
YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online)
Admission: ~200 students from all African countries
Access Requirements: Zoom on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer with reliable internet
Focus: Career exploration, university application process, transition from secondary school to university
Attendance: Strict attendance; no absences allowed
Completion Certificate: PDF YYAS Certificate of Completion
Cost: Free of charge
YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya):
Admission: ~100 students from all African countries
Location: Residential school campus in Kenya for 9 days
Focus: College prep, leadership, innovation, design, 21st-century skills
Attendance: Strict attendance; no absences allowed
Completion Certificate: PDF YYAS Certificate of Completion
Cost: Tuition-free with free housing, meals, and academic materials
Travel Provisions:
Requirements: Students must arrange and fund travel to/from Kenya; includes passports and visas
Travel Grants: Limited need-based grants for students living outside Kenya; eligibility reviewed automatically
Non-grant Recipients: Must coordinate and fund travel independently
Scholarship and Coverage
The YYAS program provides the following benefits participants:
No tuition costs: 100% fee waiver for participation in either program
Travel grants: Limited need-based travel grants for students who are offered admission and live outside of Kenya
Networking opportunities: Access to a network of young leaders from across Africa
Mentoring: Guidance on university admissions and career path options.
Yale Young African Scholars YYAS Eligibility
To be eligible for the YYAS program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age: Between 14-18 years old on the program dates in 2025 (born between 18 August 2006 and 17 July 2011)
Citizenship: Citizen or permanent resident of an African country
School Location: Currently attending school in an African country
Grade Level: Current 10th or 11th grade student (or the international equivalents)
English Proficiency: Ability to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English
Graduation Date: Graduating secondary school by May/June 2026 (Northern Hemisphere) or November/December 2025 (Southern Hemisphere)
Application Procedure
1. Research
Visit the YYAS website and familiarize yourself with the program requirements and application process.
2. Prepare Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a personal statement.
Review detailed application requirements on this webpage
3. Submit Application
Register a new account and Complete the online application form and submit it along with the required documents before the deadline.
4. Decision Notification
Applicants will be notified electronically of admissions decisions by late March.
ℹ️ NOTE
Students can apply to both the YYAS College Prep Workshop (online) and the YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya). When completing the application, students will have the option to indicate their interest in either one or both of the program options. This flexibility allows students to take advantage of both opportunities if they meet the eligibility criteria and are selected for admission.
🌐 You can read further information about the application process on How to Apply Webpage
🗓️ Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
Comments