Applications are open for Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) 2026 Program for African Secondary School Students. The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program is one of Africa’s most respected academic enrichment initiatives for secondary school students. The program helps young Africans prepare for university education and develop leadership skills that drive positive change in their communities. Each year, YYAS brings together motivated students from across the continent through an online College Prep Workshop and a residential Leadership Summit in Kenya. Both programs are tuition-free and focus on academic growth, university readiness, and personal development.
Eligibility
- Age: You must be between the ages of 14-18 years old on the first day of the program (July 16) in 2026 in order to be considered. Please note that a typical YYAS student is between the ages of 16-17.
- English: You must be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country. YYAS will also accept applications from refugees living in an African country.
- School location: You must currently attend school in an African country.
- Grade Level: You must be a current 10th or 11th grade student (or the international equivalents).
- Graduation date: If you attend school in the Northern Hemisphere, you must be graduating secondary school by earliest May/June 2027 and no later than May/June 2028. If you attend school in the Southern Hemisphere, you must be graduating secondary school by earliest November/December 2026 and no later than November/December 2027.
If you are currently in your final year or term of secondary school, have already graduated secondary school, or are a university student, then you are NOT eligible to apply
Program Dates and Options
- YYAS Online College Prep Workshop (6 days): 16 – 21 July 2026
- YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya; 9 days): 8 – 16 August 2026
1. YYAS College Prep Workshop (Online):
The YYAS College Prep Workshop will offer admission to ~240 students, and is open to students across all countries in Africa. To participate, students must be able to access Zoom on their own mobile phone, tablet, and/or computer with reliable internet for the duration of the program. The program will focus on career exploration, preparing for the university application process, and making the transition from secondary school to university. Given the limited duration of the program, YYAS has strict attendance expectations where students are unable to miss even one day of the program. Students who successfully finish the program will receive a pdf YYAS Certificate of Completion that can be added to college and university applications. The YYAS College Prep Workshop (online) is entirely free of charge.
2. YYAS Residential Leadership Summit (Kenya):
The YYAS Residential Leadership Summit will offer admission to ~110 students, and is open to students across all countries in Africa. Students will reside on a residential school campus in Kenya for nine (9) days. The program will focus on the same college prep topics as the online workshop in addition to leadership, innovation, design, and 21st century skills. Given the limited duration of the program, YYAS has strict attendance expectations where students are unable to miss even one day of the program. Students who successfully finish the program will receive a pdf YYAS Certificate of Completion that can be added to college and university applications. The YYAS Summit is tuition-free ($0) and provides free housing, meals, and all academic curriculum materials.
Benefits
- No tuition costs for either program.
- Academic skill development.
- College and financial aid guidance.
- Leadership, innovation, and 21st-century skills training.
- Certificate of Completion for all participants.
- Free housing, meals, and academic materials for residential students.
- Limited number of need-based Travel Grants for students outside Kenya.
- Access to a network of young African leaders.
Travel Information
For the YYAS Summit in Kenya, all students must be able to travel to and from Kenya.
- Regarding transportation (such as flights), there are a limited number of need-based Travel Grants available for students who are offered admission and live outside of Kenya.
- All applicants will automatically be reviewed for Travel Grant eligibility, and each offer of admission for the YYAS Summit will include information about whether or not a Travel Grant was provided. Students and families can then choose whether to accept or decline that offer of admission.
- All students who do not receive or qualify for a Travel Grant must be able to coordinate and pay or fundraise for their travel to and from Kenya.
- Please contact YYAS if you have questions regarding assistance in traveling to or from the YYAS Summit and/or connecting to fundraising resources.
Also Read: Apply now for the latest internships across Africa.Also if you are interested in applying for sponsored opportunites you can visit our bursary and scholarship category.
Deadline
The program announcement does not include a specific application deadline, but applications are expected to open and close before the 2026 program sessions begin.
Application Process
Visit the website for Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) 2026 ProgramÂ
 2026 Program for African Secondary School Students. The Yale Young African Sch){kind=link}