The 2025 Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is a prestigious, fully funded initiative designed to support high-achieving African secondary school students with academic enrichment and leadership training. Held annually by Yale University, the program offers both an online workshop and a residential summit in Kenya, providing students with the tools, resources, and global network needed to pursue higher education and create meaningful change in their communities.

Summary of Yale Young African Scholars Program

• Host: Yale University
• Category: High School Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All African countries
• Reward: Full Sponsorship | Accommodation | Meals
• Deadline: January 20, 2025

About Yale Young African Scholars Program

The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is an initiative of Yale University aimed at empowering Africa’s brightest secondary school students. The program provides intensive academic and leadership training through two formats: a six-day virtual workshop and a nine-day residential summit held in Kenya. YYAS is designed to prepare students for university admissions and to help them become future changemakers on the continent. Participants engage in seminars, leadership sessions, university guidance, and mentorship—all at no cost.

Yale Young African Scholars Program Benefits

The YYAS Program is completely free for participants, covering tuition, housing, meals, and academic materials.

Program Duration:

• Online Workshop (6 days): 17–22 July 2025
• Residential Summit in Kenya (9 days): 9–17 August 2025

Yale Young African Scholars Program Eligibility

To apply for the 2025 Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program, applicants must:

• Be between 14 and 18 years old by the program start date.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country (including refugees).
• Be currently enrolled in secondary school (10th or 11th grade or equivalent).
• Not be graduating before May/June 2026 (for Northern Hemisphere) or Nov/Dec 2025 (for Southern Hemisphere).
• Have strong academic performance and leadership potential.
• Be proficient in English.
• Not be a previous participant of YYAS (alumni may apply to YYGS, not YYAS again).

Required Documents

• Activities list
• One 400-word essay and one 200-word response
• Two “fast take” responses (280 characters each)
• Official school transcript
• One Recommender (who will complete the YYGS Recommendation Form* ONLY)
• Application fee ($70 for Early Action and $85 for Regular Decision)
• You must click the Submit Application button on the “Review” page for your application to be considered.
• OPTIONAL: English fluency test scores (TOEFL or DuoLingo)
• OPTIONAL: Need-based financial aid

How To Apply for Yale Young African Scholars Program

To apply, interested and qualified applicants should use the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button.


Click Here To Apply