2026 Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program: Fully Funded Leadership Training

The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program is a high-intensity academic and leadership enrichment initiative designed specifically for secondary school students across Africa. Administered by Yale University, this program identifies high-achieving African youth and provides them with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to pursue higher education at top-tier universities globally.

In 2026, YYAS offers two distinct paths: a virtual workshop and a residential summit in Kenya, both aimed at fostering innovation and leadership skills.

2026 Program Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	Yale University, USA
Target Group	African Secondary School Students (Grade 10 or 11)
Eligible Countries	All African Countries
Cost	$0 (Tuition-Free)
Reward	Full Sponsorship, Meals, Housing, & Travel Grants
Deadline	January 21, 2026

2026 Summer Program Offerings

Participants can only be admitted to one of the following two tracks:

1. YYAS Online College Prep Workshop

Dates: July 16 – 21, 2026 (6 Days)
Format: Virtual via Zoom.
Capacity: ~240 students.
Focus: Career exploration, university application strategy, and transitioning to college life.

2. YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya)

Dates: August 8 – 16, 2026 (9 Days)
Location: Hosted on a school campus in Kenya.
Capacity: ~110 students.
Focus: Leadership labs, innovation, design thinking, and 21st-century skills.

Full Funding and Travel Grants

YYAS is committed to ensuring that financial background is not a barrier to excellence:

Tuition & Materials: 100% free for all admitted students.
On-Site Costs: Meals and housing are fully covered during the Kenya summit.
Travel Grants: For the residential program in Kenya, students can apply for travel grants to cover their airfare and travel logistics. These are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 2026 cycle, you must:

Age: Be between 14 and 18 years old by July 16, 2026.
Location: Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country and currently attending school in Africa.
Grade Level: Be in the 10th or 11th grade (or equivalent). You must have at least one term of secondary school remaining after August 2026.
Language: Be able to communicate and study in a rigorous English-only curriculum.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit a complete digital dossier including:

Academic Transcripts: Grade reports for each year of secondary school (Grades 9, 10, and 11).
Essays: One 400-word essay and one 200-word response.
Short Responses: Two “Fast Take” responses (280 characters each).
Teacher Recommendation: Must be submitted via the online YYAS recommendation form.
Application Fee: $70 (Early Action) or $85 (Regular Decision). Note: Fee waivers are available for students with high financial need.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Review the graduation date requirements. If you graduate before November 2026, you are likely ineligible as the program is for current students.

Step 2: Prepare Your Essays

YYAS looks for leadership potential and intellectual curiosity. Start your essays early and have a teacher review them for clarity.

Step 3: Register Your Recommender

In the application portal, provide the email address of a teacher who knows you well. They will receive a link to a specific Yale recommendation form.

Step 4: Submit Online

Complete all sections of the application and upload your transcripts. Ensure you click “Submit” before the deadline on January 21, 2026.

Key Decision Dates

Decision Release: Shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-March 2026.
Enrollment Deadline: Admitted students must accept their offer by late March 2026.

Official Link: Yale Young African Scholars Official Website