The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program, hosted by Yale University, is an intensive academic and leadership enrichment program for African secondary school students. Specifically designed for those aspiring to pursue tertiary education and make an impactful difference as young leaders in Africa, this program provides participants with a platform to enhance their academic skills, grow as leaders, and gain exposure to a global network.
The YYAS program 2025 offers a transformative experience that equips students with the tools necessary to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Program Highlights
- Academic Excellence: The program focuses on developing strong academic skills through enrichment sessions in critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.
- Leadership Development: Students will gain valuable experience through leadership training that prepares them to tackle challenges in their communities and across the continent.
- Global Networking: Participants will interact with like-minded young leaders from across Africa and be mentored by Yale faculty and other distinguished global leaders.
- Free Participation: The program is fully funded, meaning participants do not have to bear any financial costs for their involvement.
- Focus on Africa’s Future: YYAS places a strong emphasis on youth employment, job creation, and fostering social responsibility to ensure that African youth are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in the future.
Eligibility Criteria
The YYAS program 2025 is open to secondary school students who meet the following requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be between 14 and 19 years old by the application deadline.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
- Education: Must be currently enrolled in secondary school or an equivalent program in Africa.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, as all communication and learning materials are in English.
- Commitment to Africa: Applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to making a positive impact in Africa and a strong desire to pursue higher education.
- Availability: Must be available to attend the full program, including pre- and post-program sessions in November 2025.
Benefits of Participating in the YYAS Program
- Tertiary Education Preparation: Participants will be exposed to resources and training to strengthen their applications for top global universities.
- Scholarship Opportunities: As part of this program, students gain access to various scholarship opportunities for tertiary education.
- Future Networking: The program provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with peers, academics, and influential leaders who will guide them in their educational and leadership pursuits.
- Academic and Career Growth: Through engaging discussions, workshops, and mentorship, students are prepared to become strong candidates for top-tier tertiary institutions and impactful careers in their fields.
How to Apply
To apply for the YYAS program 2025, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined above and submit their application before the 20th January 2024 deadline. Applications must be completed online, and applicants will be asked to submit the following documents:
- A completed application form.
- A personal statement describing their commitment to leadership and their vision for making a positive impact on Africa.
- Proof of secondary school enrollment.
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or other relevant figures.
Deadline
The application deadline for the Yale Young African Scholars program is 20th January 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
Apply HERE
Interested students can start their application process for the YYAS 2025 program by visiting the official YYASApplication Portal
