Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a two-week residential academic and leadership program for 10th- and 11th-grade students, ages 16 to 18. Founded 23 years ago under the name Ivy Scholars, it has grown from 60 students to approximately 2,000 participants from over 150 countries.
The summer program has three sessions: Session I (June 22 - July 4), Session II (July 6 - July 18), and Session III (July 20 - August 1). Each session includes four academic tracks: Innovations in Science & Technology (IST), Literature, Philosophy, & Culture (LPC), Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE), and Solving Global Challenges (SGC). It accepts applications all over the world and builds a global community through interdisciplinary programs.
Through lectures, seminars, breakout sessions, capstone projects, and simulations, participants investigate fascinating topics, ignite new interests, and strengthen critical reading skills. The program does not provide college course credit and it allows exploring academic interests freely. Additionally, students live on the Yale campus and form close bonds with each other through activities and “family time.”
The application asks for personal information, an official transcript, one reference form filled out by a teacher, a list of extracurricular activities, short answers, essays, and optional need-based financial aid information. Impressively, 99% of financial aid requests are fully met.
This year’s short answer questions are: “If someone offered you a box with every inanimate object you have ever lost, what is the first thing you are looking for? Why?” and “What’s one skill, talent, or hobby that you have always wanted to learn how to do?” (280 characters each).
The assay prompts are: “Please reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea” (200-400 words) and “Please tell us about something that has influenced you and articulate how it has shaped you” (200 words).
There is a webinar series to help students and parents get more information. It has two application deadlines: Early Action, due on October 20, and Regular Decision, due on January 10, 2025.
