Yale (Young African Scolars)
Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) is an intensive academic enrichment program designed for African high school seniors who are considering higher education and want to make a meaningful impact as young leaders on the continent. The program focuses primarily on career exploration, preparing for the college application process, and facilitating a smooth transition from high school to college. YYAS participants improve their academic skills, receive guidance on college admissions and career options, and become part of a network of young leaders from across Africa. If you’re familiar with Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), YYAS is its sister program!
YYAS offers an online program option and a residential program option. There is no tuition fee to participate in either program. I chose the online program option because traveling was not an option for me at the time. It was a very busy summer, #senioryearinthemaking
The YYAS workshop accepts approximately 200 students and is open to students from all countries in Africa. To participate, students must be able to access Zoom and Canvas on their own mobile phone, tablet, and/or computer with a reliable internet connection for the duration of the program. Given the limited duration of the program, YYAS has strict attendance expectations, and students must not miss any days of the program. Students who meet the required number of days will receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion in PDF format, which can be added to university applications, and will become official alumni.
The YYAS Summit accepts approximately 120 students and is open to students from all countries in Africa. Each year, the residential program takes place on a host campus where students will reside in an African country. The program will focus on the same college-readiness topics as the online workshop, in addition to leadership, innovation, design, and 21st century skills. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a YYAS Certificate of Completion in PDF format that can be included in university applications. The YYAS Summit is tuition-free ($0) and provides free accommodation, meals, and all course materials. For the YYAS Summit, you must be able to travel to and from the host country (currently Zimbabwe), and all students will be required to coordinate and pay for or raise funds for all required travel documents (such as passports, travel visas, etc.). However, a limited number of need-based travel grants are available for students admitted to and living outside of the host country. All applicants will be automatically screened for eligibility for the travel grant, and it will be included, if awarded, in the offer of admission. Application is also completely free for both options.
To apply to YYAS, candidates must meet all of the following requirements :
Be between 14 and 18 years old as of July 18. If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you
can apply to YYAS and YYGS simultaneously.
Be able to participate in a rigorous academic program delivered
in English
Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country (or a refugee residing
in an African country)
Currently attending school in an African country
Currently in second or first year (or international equivalent)
Not be a former student of YYGS or YYAS
If you are currently in your final year or term of high school, if you have already graduated from high school,
or if you are a college student, you are not eligible to apply.
I was a junior and sixteen when I applied.
YYAS reviews applications on a rolling basis. However, admission decisions will not be made or communicated until mid-April, once all applications in your group have been reviewed in detail. There are two options for applying: Early Action and Regular Decision. In my case, I applied Regular Decision because my guidance counselor informed me about the program after the Early Action deadline. To submit your application, you will need the following: Completed application form: The application form is available online and must be completed by the applicant. Students must write a 500-word essay and answer two short questions. In addition, they must provide information about their extracurricular activities and current school. Official high school transcript or report card(s). A teacher recommendation.
