Scholarship Amount

This is a partial scholarship, the amount of which will be dependent upon the country and program.

Equity Scholarship Requirements

• Applicant must be American students of African descent

• Sophomore or Junior standing at time of application is required.

• Enrollment in a semester or year-long study abroad program is mandatory (Note: summer and short-term programs are not eligible).

• Must have at least one year of foreign language study or be a non-native English speaker

• No previous participation in a study abroad program

• Student must demonstrate financial need; please see link to the FACTS application. FACTS is an independent, third-party that assesses student eligibility for tuition assistance. For information about FACTS and the application process, please download the FACTS Information Sheet

Age Requirements

Students must meet the age requirement listed on the individual country pages

Application Step-by-Step Guide

Start Early: Visit the YFU USA website, create an account, and familiarize yourself with the Passport to Equity Scholarship under the "Scholarships" tab.

• Prepare Documents - Gather all necessary documents:

• 1 Teacher Recommendation

• Host Family Letter

• 3 Short Answer Essay Questions

• Health Certificate

• Parent-student agreement

• 5 Candid photos

• 1 Passport sized photo

• Complete FACTS application (Due: March 15 for fall departure students, Sep 15 for winter/spring departure programs)

• Online Application: Click on "Apply Now" to access the online application form. Fill it out thoroughly.

• Upload Documents: Upload all the prepared documents.

• Submit & Confirm: Hit the submit button to finalize your application. Await an email confirmation and be ready for a follow-up interview if selected.

PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THIS PAGE AND YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

If applying for multiple scholarships, please indicate each scholarship's name and code on your application. All scholarship recipients are required to travel on the YFU group travel dates, and to complete the entire program. 

Scholarship programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

For more information regarding YFU and the scholarship selection process call 1.800.TEENAGE or contact us here.

Additional Tips

• Proofread your application and essay responses for clarity and accuracy.

• Seek strong recommendations from teachers and counselors.

• In your personal statement, articulate your interest in studying abroad and your alignment with the equity scholarship objectives.

Additional required information post-application submission includes:

• Teacher Recommendation

• Health certificate

• School certificate

• Parent-student agreement

• Interview by YFU Volunteer

• Completed FACTS application (due date March 15 for fall departure students, Sep 15 for winter/spring departure programs)

Application Fees

• $75 Nonrefundable YFU Application Fee (paid directly to YFU)

• $40 FACTS Application Fee to Assess Financial Need (paid directly to FACTS)

• If you are applying for financial aid scholarships and need assistance with application fees, please contact info@yfu.org prior to submitting your application for additional information

What Does the Passport Scholarship Cover?

• Round-trip airline travel (domestic & international)

• Placement with a carefully selected host family and with a local public school

• Regional orientation for scholarship recipients and parents; National pre-departure orientation for recipient.

• Preparatory materials

• 24/7 support services in host country

• Comprehensive Insurance

Scholarship Recipients Are Responsible For

• Passport

• Visa fees (if necessary)

• Any excess luggage tariffs

• Personal spending money

• Upon returning home, scholarship winners are expected to complete at least one presentation in their school or community to share their experiences, teach others about the culture in their host country, and encourage other students to participate in foreign exchange.

• Within one month of returning home, the student must provide to YFU a 1 - 2 page report and captioned photos detailing their exchange experience.

A Note From Leslie Olma, Fund Creator And Donor

While the number of American students studying abroad is on the rise overall, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) reports that for the 2017-2018 academic year, minorities totaled only 30% of American overseas students with Black students at a mere 6.1%*.  Accessibility is a significant contributing factor for the low percentage of participation.

We need to do better.  The world needs a more proportionate view of the American demographic.  Future leaders need experience navigating on a global scale.  And someone you know may need a role model who looks like you so that they may know what is possible in this world when access is no longer an obstacle.

In an effort to right the scale, this scholarship fund is intended to create equity through accessibility.

To read Leslie’s full testimonial about her inspiration to create the Right the Scale Scholarship Fund or to donate to this fund, please visit her fund page. 

YFU alum Ashley (far left) with her host family in Japan.

Explore Other Scholarship Opportunities

Discover the other scholarships we offer to support your educational journey abroad, find the right opportunity that aligns with your goals.

Ready to Embark on a Learning Adventure?

Apply for the Passport to Equity Scholarship today and take the first step towards a transformative educational experience abroad. For more information, feel free to contact us to guide you along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Eligible For The YFU Passport To Equity Scholarship?

The YFU Passport to Equity Scholarship is open to American students of African descent in their sophomore or junior year. Eligibility also requires at least a year of foreign language study or being a non-native English speaker, with no prior participation in study abroad programs, aligning with the equity scholarship requirements.

What Does The YFU Passport To Equity Scholarship Cover?

This passport scholarship covers round-trip airfare, placement with a host family and local public school, regional and national orientations, preparatory materials, 24/7 support services in the host country, and comprehensive insurance.

When Is The Deadline To Apply For The YFU Passport To Equity Scholarship?

The application deadline is September 1st for spring departure and February 28th for fall departure.

Can I Apply for Multiple Scholarships at YFU?

Yes, if applying for multiple scholarships, indicate each scholarship's name and code on your application.