The AYEP Scholarship program was established by the African Youth Empowerment Program (AYEP) to support and recognize young people of African descent who are committed to advancing their education, developing their leadership, and building meaningful futures for themselves and their communities.

This year, ten (10) scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to promising youth between the ages of 14–24 who are either currently pursuing post-secondary education or graduating from high school and planning to enroll in a college, vocational, or certification program in the upcoming academic year.

Applicants must be of African descent (Immigrant or 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation American) and actively engaged in or connected to the African Youth Empowerment Project. AYEP seeks well-rounded individuals who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to personal growth and community impact.

🌟 Selection Criteria
Awarding of the AYEP Youth Scholarship is contingent upon several criteria, including:

• Acceptance to or enrollment in a post-secondary program for the 2026-2027 academic year. (college, university, vocational, or certification program)
• Minnesota Resident
• Submission of a complete application, including all required materials
  Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and community engagement
  A thoughtful essay response reflecting the applicant’s goals, values, and vision for the future.
• Scholarship recipients are expected to use the award to support their educational journey and to continue demonstrating strong character, purpose, and commitment to growth.
• Participate in an AYEP Virtual webinar on April 27th 6pm-7:30pm CST

💡 Scholarship Award
The AYEP Youth Scholarship is an outright grant and does not require repayment. Recipients are encouraged to use these funds responsibly toward educational expenses such as tuition, books, or related costs.

While there is no obligation to repay the scholarship, it is our hope that recipients will carry forward the spirit of this program by investing in their communities and uplifting others as they progress in their personal and professional journeys.

📝 How to Apply
Applications for the AYEP Youth Scholarship must be submitted online through the official application form.

Applicants are required to complete all sections of the application and submit any required materials at the time of submission. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

📅 Applications Open: March 24, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: April 24, 2026 11:59pm

🔍 Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Recipients will be chosen based on a combination of:

- Demonstrated leadership and initiative
- Clarity of goals and future plans
- Commitment to community and personal growth
- Strength and thoughtfulness of essay responses

Selected recipients will be announced at the African Youth Empowerment Summit May 9, 2026.

Finalists may be contacted for an interview. Students will be notified by email of any scholarship award or denial on or before May 6, 2026.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application submitted by April 24, 2026
• Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment in a post-secondary program (college or university, vocational school, certificate program)

Remember! Keep a copy of your application for your records.
Questions? Call 346-613-0344 or email jefyne@pushforprosperity.org

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

I hereby affirm that the information contained herein is true and correct. I hereby grant permission to Push for Prosperity to verify such information and to release information to the donor of the AYEP Scholarship Program.

I understand that receipt of this scholarship is contingent on providing proof of enrollment. Falsification of any information or failure to meet these requirements will result in the termination of my scholarship, and I will be obligated to return any  monies already received.

I hereby grant and assign Push for Prosperity the right to use my name, essay response, and my image to publicize my nomination and/or receipt of this scholarship award, and to promote the goals of the scholarship, for editorial, trade, advertising or any other purpose and in any manner and medium, including website and internet promotion.

I also consent to have a copy of my application and all supporting materials retained indefinitely by Push for Prosperity.