FAQs
We provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our foundation, qualifications for the scholarship and steps needed to apply.
If the answer to your question isn't already provided, please contact us directly.
How to Apply
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CHECK ELIGIBILITY
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Citizen of an African country
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Graduating high school senior in the year of the award
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Admission to a university or college in the United States
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At least a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or it's equivalent)
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20 hours or more of community service
GATHER DOCUMENTS
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Official high school transcript
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250-500 word essay written by the applicant, in original thoughts and words. Plagiarism will lead to disqualification
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One recommendation letter from professor, mentor, employer, coach, religious leader, etc. No letters from family or friends
NEXT STEPS
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Fill application form here​. Then, submit!
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Wait for a pop-up message and email to confirm your submission
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​Final candidates will be contacted via email for a virtual interview
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Winner(s) will be selected and announced!
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How many times can I apply for SAS?
Once. Multiple applications from the same applicant will warrant disqualification.
I am a dual-citizen of an African country and a non-African country, do I still qualify?
Yes, your African citizenship qualifies you. You will need to provide proof (bio-page of an unexpired passport or a birth certificate)
Can I save my application and come back later?
No. Incomplete/unsubmitted applications will be lost. We encourage you to write your essay on a word file and save it. When ready to complete your application, copy your essay from your saved file, paste it, and submit your application.
I am a college/university student, can I still apply?
You need to be a high school senior planning to pursue post-secondary education in the United States to qualify.
Does it matter if I got into a two-year college or a four-year college?
No it doesn't. Admission to any higher level college/university for post-secondary education qualifies you.
What if I don't have enough community service hours?
To qualify to apply, you need a minimum of 20 hours of community service for your senior year, which you will need to provide proof of. Application closes April 30. We suggest you find local places to volunteer hours to meet the requirement.
What is the award? And how many people receive it?
Up to $3000 per recipient.
Does the money get sent to me?
No, the award will be released directly to school. The release of funds is contingent upon verification of status as a student, with a proof of enrollment from the college or university.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. All information submitted will be treated as confidential, and used only for the purposes of the scholarship.
Who should I ask to write me a recommendation letter?
One recommendation letter is required to complete your application. We suggest asking one of your favorite professors, mentors, employers, coaches, or even religious leaders etc. People who can best articulate your strengths and accomplishments. Recommendation letters written from family members or friends are unacceptable.
When can I apply?
Application opens February 14 and closes April 30.
Is there a GPA cut off to apply?
A GPA less than 3.75 disqualifies any applicant.
How quickly will I be notified about my application status?
Days to weeks after the close of the application window. We advise you to closely monitor the email you provided on the application for the status on your application.
Does SAS affect my eligibility for financial aid?
Most likely. SAS is given as a credit towards your tuition. After receiving it, the school will adjust your unmet financial needs accordingly.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive a follow up email on further steps to take in the application process.
I took a gap year after high school, can I still apply?
You qualify to apply for SAS in the year that you intend to start college. Example: If you graduate high school in 2021, and you take a gap year with plans to start college in 2022. You should apply for SAS in 2022.
I applied to a US institution, but I haven't heard back to know if I got admitted or not. Can I still apply for SAS?
The SAS award is only given to students who have admission to colleges or universities in the US. If you apply for SAS hoping that you get into a school and we do not receive a copy of your admission letter by May 1, your application will be halted and disqualified at whatever stage it is.
I got admitted to a school outside the US, can I still apply?
To qualify to apply, you have to receive admission to an institution in the US.
I got admitted into a school, and later received another admission from my preferred US institution. Can I update my SAS application with my first choice school?
Yes. However, if your application makes it to the final stage, you will need to provide a confirmation of enrollment from the institution you intend to matriculate at.
Can SAS be expanded to post-secondary institutions outside the US?
Not at this time. We will take that into consideration for the future.
Ready to start your journey to success?
