Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026 for African Secondary School Students (Travel Grants Available for the Residential Leadership Summit in Kenya)
Applications are now open for the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026, an intensive academic and leadership development initiative created by Yale University to nurture the next generation of African leaders. YYAS is designed for outstanding secondary school students from across Africa who aspire to pursue higher education and drive meaningful change in their communities and the continent at large.
YYAS provides a transformative learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through rigorous academic sessions, leadership training, university preparation, and exposure to global opportunities, students gain the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in higher education and become catalysts for social impact.
Participants benefit from mentorship by Yale-affiliated educators and practitioners, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects that challenge them to think critically, lead innovatively, and build sustainable solutions to African and global challenges. Beyond the program, YYAS fellows become part of a lifelong network of young African changemakers who continue to collaborate and grow together.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Age: Be between 14 and 18 years old on the first day of the program (16 July 2026). Most successful applicants are between 16 and 17.
Citizenship: Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. YYAS also accepts applications from refugees residing in African countries.
School Location: Currently attend school in an African country.
Grade Level: Be enrolled in 10th or 11th grade (or the equivalent in your country’s education system).
Graduation Date:
If attending school in the Northern Hemisphere, you must graduate secondary school between May/June 2027 and May/June 2028.
If attending school in the Southern Hemisphere, you must graduate secondary school between November/December 2026 and November/December 2027.
Language: Be proficient in English to participate in the academic curriculum.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following three components to complete their application:
Completed Online Application Form – Includes a 500-word essay, two short responses, details of extracurricular activities, and information about the school currently attended.
Official Transcript or Grade Reports – Upload transcripts for each year of secondary school (typically grades 9, 10, and 11). National exam scores can be included but are not required. If the student has attended multiple schools, records from both must be provided.
Teacher Recommendation – Submitted via an online form sent to the teacher’s email. Recommendations must be written by a teacher familiar with the applicant’s academic work. Submissions from family members, relatives, or paid tutors will not be accepted.
Why You Should Apply
Participating in YYAS offers far more than just an academic program — it’s a gateway to global opportunities. Here’s what you gain:
World-Class Preparation: Get detailed guidance on college applications, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid processes.
Leadership Training: Develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Networking Opportunities: Join a growing network of exceptional young leaders from across Africa.
Mentorship: Learn directly from Yale faculty, alumni, and experts dedicated to nurturing Africa’s future changemakers.
Global Exposure: Gain access to resources, connections, and perspectives that open doors to higher education and global leadership roles.
Program Tracks
1. YYAS Online College Prep Workshop Date: 16 – 21 July 2026
The Online College Prep Workshop is a fully virtual, interactive learning experience designed to prepare about 240 students from across Africa for university and leadership opportunities. Participants will engage in career exploration, personal development sessions, and comprehensive guidance on navigating the global university application process.
The workshop helps students strengthen critical skills such as essay writing, standardized test preparation, and time management. It also focuses on transitioning from secondary school to university, exploring future career paths, and understanding financial aid options.
Students must have access to a device (phone, tablet, or computer) with a stable internet connection and be able to attend all sessions throughout the six-day program. At the end of the workshop, participants receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion, which can strengthen their future college applications.
The Online College Prep Workshop is entirely free of charge.
2. YYAS Residential Leadership Summit – Kenya Date: 8 – 16 August 2026
The Residential Leadership Summit is a fully immersive, nine-day leadership experience held at a residential school campus in Kenya. Approximately 110 students from across Africa will be selected to participate.
This summit builds on the college preparation elements of the online program and adds intensive workshops on leadership, innovation, problem-solving, design thinking, and 21st-century skills. Students participate in lectures, team projects, simulations, and real-world challenges that prepare them to lead impactful initiatives in their schools and communities.
The program is tuition-free and includes accommodation, meals, and academic materials. Students must be able to travel to and from Kenya, and YYAS will provide guidance on visa and documentation requirements.
Travel Support: A limited number of need-based travel grants are available for admitted students living outside Kenya. All applicants are automatically considered for travel support during the selection process. Admission offers will specify whether a travel grant is awarded, and families can decide to accept or decline based on their circumstances. Students who do not receive travel grants must be able to arrange and fund their travel.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following three components to complete their application:
Completed Online Application Form – Includes a 500-word essay, two short responses, details of extracurricular activities, and information about the school currently attended.
Official Transcript or Grade Reports – Upload transcripts for each year of secondary school (typically grades 9, 10, and 11). National exam scores can be included but are not required. If the student has attended multiple schools, records from both must be provided.
Teacher Recommendation – Submitted via an online form sent to the teacher’s email. Recommendations must be written by a teacher familiar with the applicant’s academic work. Submissions from family members, relatives, or paid tutors will not be accepted.
Why You Should Apply
Participating in YYAS offers far more than just an academic program — it’s a gateway to global opportunities. Here’s what you gain:
World-Class Preparation: Get detailed guidance on college applications, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid processes.
Leadership Training: Develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Networking Opportunities: Join a growing network of exceptional young leaders from across Africa.
Mentorship: Learn directly from Yale faculty, alumni, and experts dedicated to nurturing Africa’s future changemakers.
Global Exposure: Gain access to resources, connections, and perspectives that open doors to higher education and global leadership roles.
How to Apply
Applications for the YYAS 2026 Program are now open. Interested students should apply online through the official portal and submit all required documents before the deadline.
