Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) 2024: A Gateway to Leadership and Academic Excellence

The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is a transformative academic and leadership initiative tailored for talented African secondary school students. Designed to nurture young leaders with vision, drive, and commitment, YYAS prepares participants to make meaningful impacts even before entering university.

Key Application Details

• Early Action Deadline: November 10, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
• Location: Online and in Zimbabwe for the 2024 program.
• Eligibility: Open to African secondary school students.

Why YYAS?

YYAS, now in its ninth year, offers a cost-free, intensive academic and leadership program. The initiative builds on the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) model and features:

• Interdisciplinary Academic Curriculum: Led by Yale faculty and student instructors.
• Leadership Development: Experiential exercises designed to boost leadership capabilities.
• Standardized Test Prep: Free sessions to prepare students for university entrance exams.
• Mentorship: Participants are paired with mentors to guide them through university application processes.
• Networking: Students join a vibrant network of young leaders across Africa.

Program Structure

• College Prep Workshop (Online):
• Dates: July 18–23, 2024
• Format: 5-day online workshop.
• Leadership Summit (Residential):
• Dates: August 9–18, 2024
•  Location: Zimbabwe.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age:
• Be 14–18 years old as of July 18, 2024.
• Most participants are between 16–17 years old.
• Language: Proficient in English for rigorous academic discussions.
• Citizenship: Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. Refugees living in African countries are also eligible.
• School Location: Currently enrolled in a secondary school in Africa.
• Grade Level:
• Be in Grade 11 (or international equivalent).
• Graduation:
• Northern Hemisphere schools: Graduate between May/June 2025 and May/June 2026.
• Southern Hemisphere schools: Graduate between November/December 2024 and November/December 2025.

                Note: Final-year secondary school students, graduates, or university students are not eligible. YYAS alumni cannot reapply but are eligible to apply for YYGS.

Selection Criteria

Successful applicants typically exhibit:

• Outstanding academic performance.
• Strong leadership potential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and navigate challenges effectively.
• High personal and professional standards.
• Interest in Africa’s intellectual, moral, and political issues.

Program Benefits

• Free Participation: No tuition or application fees.
• Skill Development: Enhance academic, leadership, and test-taking skills.
• University Preparation: Gain guidance on admissions and career options.

How to Apply

• Visit the YYAS Application Portal.
• Complete the online application.
• If applying only for YYAS, disregard the financial aid section (applies to YYGS applicants).

Important Notes

• There is no cost to apply for or participate in YYAS.
• Students applying for both YYAS and YYGS will need to complete additional financial aid sections.

This is your chance to join a prestigious program that shapes Africa’s next generation of leaders. Seize the opportunity and apply now! Visit Yale Young African Scholars Programme Webpage for details