Babel Scholars Program

About the Program


Babel Scholars Program is a one-year fellowship that provides up to 100% tuition assistance to college and university students in Africa for a single academic year. Throughout the fellowship, scholars conduct original research, receive mentorship, and participate in policy roundtables.

The program is designed to support African students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their communities.

Program Components

    • Admission is competitive and based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and a record of service.

    • Selected Scholars receive up to 100% tuition assistance for one academic year.

    • Financial support ensures scholars can continue their studies while carrying out their research with Babel Institute.

  • Scholars spend one academic year in our Studies Program, where they:

    • Conduct original research on challenges facing African youth in their respective regions.

    • Take part in monthly seminars and roundtables on governance, public policy, and economic development.

    • Receive mentorship that sharpens their research methods and policy analysis.

  • Throughout the fellowship, scholars will produce:

    • Policy briefs: concise documents that translate research into actionable recommendations.

    • Essays: reflective pieces that connect personal perspective to broader policy questions.

    • Reports: in-depth studies that present original research and analysis on issues affecting youth across Africa.

    • Op-eds: short, accessible arguments that bring youth voices into public debate.

    • Publication in Verity Voices Journal : scholars will have their work edited and published in Verity.

    • Monthly skills workshops in research methods, academic writing, public speaking, and advocacy.

    • Guest lectures and mentorship sessions with policymakers, academics, and industry leaders.

    • Structured opportunities to present research to external audiences and participate in moderated policy discussions.

    • Graduates of the fellowship join the Babel Scholars Alumni Network, an alumni community committed to advancing Africa-focused research, policy, and civic engagement.

    • Previous scholars remain connected to Babel Institute by contributing to publications, participating in policy discussions, and mentoring new scholars, ensuring that the fellowship cultivates a growing community of young leaders shaping Africa’s future.

Program Outcomes:

Research & Policy Training: Scholars gain rigorous, hands-on experience in research methods, data analysis, and policy development through their placement in our Studies Program.

Publication: Each Scholar produces a portfolio of reports, policy briefs, essays, and commentaries, with selected outputs published in Verity Voices Journal.

Leadership Development: Scholars build advanced skills in academic writing, public speaking, and advocacy through monthly workshops, mentorship, and guest lectures.

Career & Academic Advancement: Scholars complete the fellowship with tangible publications and professional credentials that strengthen their applications for early-career opportunities.

Application Process & Admission

Applications for the Babel Scholars Program open on March 9, 2026. For general inquiries, please contact us at contact@babelinstitute.us

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