Becoming a Banaa Scholar

Banaa.org is no longer accepting applications for 2011. For information on the 2012 application cycle, please check back on this page in August 2011.

All applicants are required to complete the Common Application and the Banaa Supplement application, which contains five essay options. Applicants are advised to complete two of the essays, and to submit two letters of recommendations.

Banaa works hard to generate an ethnically, politically, and economically diverse pool of young women and men who are exceptionally qualified for studies at US colleges and universities.

Potential applicants for the scholarship must fulfill the following criteria:

• Come from a conflict-affected region of Sudan and be under the age of 26
• Possess a genuine interest in building a peaceful Sudan
• Demonstrate a history of participation in peace-promoting activities
• Have documentation of secondary school graduation or proof of an equivalency degree
• Display competency in English and the ability to score well on a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (actual test score not required)
• Write English-language responses to a series of essay questions
• Provide letters of recommendation, including contact details, from individuals who can comment on applicant's suitability for the program (former teachers and/or employers are preferred)

Does Banaa accept candidates who live in or grew up in the United States or Europe?

While we greatly appreciate the commitment of Sudanese Diaspora to improving life in Sudan, our limited resources enable us only to support students coming directly from Sudan (or refugee situations in neighboring countries) at this time. This policy is in place to ensure Banaa Scholars (1) have recent and intimate experience with policy challenges faces Sudan and (2) return promptly to Sudan to begin work.

What if I am over 26 years old, and/or have a University degree? Can I still apply?

While applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, applicants should ideally be under 26 years old and possess no prior university degrees. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis, but these guidelines are to ensure that Banaa Scholars are in early stages of shaping their careers and close to the average undergraduate age at the universities they attend.

The Banaa Selection Committee and the University Admissions Process

All applications for the Banaa scholarship program are first submitted to the Banaa Selection Committee, which is comprised of a number of individuals from the Banaa Board of Advisors. Applicants are then evaluated holistically using the following criteria:

• Demonstrated Commitment to Peace in Sudan
• Academic Achievement
• Relevant Employment
• English Language Proficiency
• Essay Quality
• Interview
• Leadership Experience

It is important to note that the Banaa Selection Committee does not employ a formula based admissions process. Applications are not assigned point values, but instead read cover to cover and given a comprehensive review. Moreover, neither race nor ethnicity is used to determine admission. During the comprehensive review, however, it is noted when applicants from economic or socially disadvantaged positions have exhibited character and determination in overcoming both personal and structural obstacles.

After all applications have been vetted by the Selection Committee, applicants are placed in lexical order. This ranking and the applications of the most competitive scholars are then submitted to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Admissions Officers review the files and admit all students who meet the University's academic qualifications. The applicant with the highest Banaa Selection Committee ranking who is admitted to the University receives the Banaa Scholarship.

Waivers

Given the extenuating circumstances under which many applicants live or grew up, SAT and TOFEL scores are often unavailable. Students who do present these scores may be more competitive in the admissions process, but ability to provide such documentation is not required. Banaa encourages candidates to provide a cover letter explaining why you are unable to access TOEFL or SAT scores.