African Leadership Academy today announced that 106 young leaders (53 girls and 53 boys) from 29 nations have been admitted to the Inaugural ALA Class of 2008. These students were selected from a truly outstanding applicant pool of 1,700 students across Africa. With an acceptance rate of just 6%, African Leadership Academy’s selectivity compares favorably with the Ivy League universities of the United States.
African Leadership Academy’s inaugural class consists of impressive young leaders from a wide range of backgrounds across North, East, West, and Southern Africa. Each has been selected according to African Leadership Academy’s five selection criteria: academic achievement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, passion for Africa, and commitment to service. Some are winners of national or international math, science, debate, writing, and civics competitions. Others are young entrepreneurs who have started innovative businesses and public service organizations. Many have overcome incredible odds, including refugees who have fled conflict zones and orphans who have served as the sole breadwinner for their families.
South Africa had the most students admitted to ALA, with thirteen young people offered admission. Kenya followed with twelve admitted students, and nine students were admitted from Nigeria. Eight students were admitted from both Senegal and Tanzania, and six young leaders from Morocco were offered places in the class. The oldest student admitted is currently 19 years old, while the youngest student admitted is 15 years old.
All students will report to campus on September 3, 2008, when they will begin a two year journey designed to prepare them for transformational leadership roles on the African continent.
