Yale Young African Scholars 2026 for Teenagers

Applications are now open for the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026, a fully funded academic and leadership initiative for outstanding secondary school students across Africa. Hosted by Yale University, this prestigious programme helps young Africans prepare for higher education and develop the leadership skills needed to drive change in their communities.

YYAS offers two exciting formats for 2026: a 6-day Online College Prep Workshop and a 9-day Residential Leadership Summit in Kenya. Participants will engage in university preparation, leadership training, and mentorship, all while joining a growing network of young African changemakers.

Programme Overview

The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) is a flagship initiative of Yale University’s outreach to Africa, aimed at supporting exceptional students who aspire to study at universities around the world. Through academic sessions, leadership activities, and college guidance, YYAS helps participants gain the tools and confidence needed for their next stage in education.

Participants will:

• Strengthen their academic and critical thinking skills.
  
• Receive guidance on university applications and financial aid.
  
• Join a network of peers committed to making a meaningful impact in Africa.
  

Each student may attend only one session, but can indicate their preferred option during the application process.

2026 Programme Dates

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for YYAS 2026, applicants must:

• Age: Be between 14 and 18 years old as of 16 July 2026 (typical participants are aged 16–17).
  
• Citizenship: Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country (refugees living in Africa are also eligible).
  
• Schooling: Currently attending a secondary school located in Africa.
  
• Academic level: Be in Grade 10 or 11 (or international equivalent).
  
• Graduation timeline:
  
  • Students in the Northern Hemisphere must graduate between May/June 2027 and May/June 2028.
    
  • Students in the Southern Hemisphere must graduate between Nov/Dec 2026 and Nov/Dec 2027.
    
• Language: Must be fluent enough in English to participate in an intensive academic curriculum.
  

Programme Components

1. YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online)

• Open to approximately 240 students across Africa.
  
• Focuses on career exploration, university applications, and transitioning from secondary school to higher education.
  
• Participants will engage via Zoom, so reliable internet access is required.
  
• Attendance is mandatory for all six days.
  
• Participants receive a Certificate of Completion that can strengthen their university applications.
  
• The online workshop is completely free of charge.
  

2. YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya)

• Hosts about 110 students from across Africa for nine days.
  
• Focus areas include college preparation, leadership, innovation, and 21st-century skills.
  
• Students will live on a residential school campus in Kenya.
  
• The Summit is tuition-free, with free accommodation, meals, and academic materials provided.
  
• Attendance for the entire duration is compulsory.
  

Travel Grants

While students are responsible for securing their own travel documentation (such as passports and visas), YYAS offers a limited number of need-based travel grants for students travelling from outside Kenya.

All applicants are automatically considered for travel grants during the selection process. Successful candidates will be informed whether they’ve been awarded travel support when their admission offer is issued.

Students who do not receive travel support are expected to fund or fundraise for their travel to and from Kenya.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Completed Online Application Form
   • Includes personal information, extracurricular activities, one 500-word essay, and two short responses.
2. Official School Transcript or Grade Reports
   • Must include grades for the last three years of secondary school (typically Grades 9–11).
     
   • If a student changed schools, transcripts from both institutions are required.
     
   • National exam results may be added if available.
3. One Teacher Recommendation
   • Must be submitted via the official Online Recommendation Form sent directly to a teacher’s email.
     
   • Recommendations from parents, relatives, or private tutors are not accepted.

Application Timeline

Why Apply?

The Yale Young African Scholars Program is not just an academic opportunity—it’s a launchpad for Africa’s next generation of innovators and changemakers. Participants gain:

• Access to mentorship and leadership training from Yale-affiliated experts.
  
• Exposure to college-level learning and international education standards.
  
• A lifelong network of peers and alumni across Africa.
  
• Eligibility for other Yale-linked global programs in the future.

The YYAS 2026 is a rare opportunity for African students to experience Yale’s global learning environment while developing leadership skills that transcend borders. For motivated secondary school students eager to make a difference in their communities—and potentially the world—this programme is the perfect starting point.

Deadline: 21 January 2026

Location: Kenya (Residential) | Online (Virtual)

Eligibility: African secondary school students aged 14–18

APPLY FOR THE YALE YOUNG AFRICAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM