Yale Young African Scholars Program 2027

The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) 2027 is a free academic and leadership program for African secondary school students aiming to pursue higher education and lead on the continent. It offers two sessions: an online College Prep Workshop (15–20 July 2027) and a residential Leadership Summit in Rwanda (7–15 August 2027). Both programs focus on university preparation, leadership development, and networking. Admission prioritizes high-achieving, low-income students lacking university guidance, with no tuition fees but requiring self-funded travel for the residential summit (limited need-based travel grants available).⁠​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌⁠

What it offers

• Free access to both the online College Prep Workshop (~240 participants) and Residential Leadership Summit (~110 participants).
• Certificate of Completion (PDF) for both programs, usable for college applications.
• Online workshop: Career exploration, university application guidance, and transition support from secondary school to university.
• Residential summit: Additional focus on leadership, innovation, design, and 21st-century skills, plus free housing, meals, and academic materials.
• Travel grants for need-based international travel (applicants automatically reviewed).
• Strict attendance expectations—no missed days allowed.

Who can apply

Open to African secondary school students (no explicit age limit or nationality restriction beyond being African). Preference given to high-achieving, low-income students without university guidance in their schools or communities.

What you'll do

• Participate in academic skill enhancement and university application support (both online and in-person).
• Engage in leadership workshops, innovation projects, and team-based activities (residential summit only).
• Join a network of young African leaders across Africa.

How to apply

• Submit an application via the YYAS portal, selecting preferred session(s).
• No explicit application steps listed—details provided during the application process.
• Travel logistics (e.g., visa, flights) are the applicant’s responsibility unless a travel grant is awarded.

Good to know

• No tuition costs for either program.
• Travel grants are need-based and communicated upon admission offer.
• Certificate of Completion is a key outcome for college applications.
• Attendance is mandatory—missing days disqualifies participation.