Deadline: October 1, 2026 (Cambodia & Guatemala) / November 1, 2026 (Liberia)
Applications are invited for the SHE-CAN Scholar Program 2026-2027. SHE-CAN seeks talented young women leaders from Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala who have few opportunities but incredible potential and passion for change.
As a SHE-CAN scholar, you will be supported in winning a full-ride scholarship to a top U.S. college. Through access to a world-class college education, mentorship, and leadership training in the U.S., they will provide you with the tools and support needed to return and make change in your home country.
Funding
SHE-CAN aims to support low-income young women who would not otherwise have the opportunity to study in the U.S. and get the tools needed to return home and step into leadership roles in their countries. Funding for SHE-CAN scholars is provided by:
- College-Funded Scholarship: Every scholar applies for and is awarded a full-ride scholarship from a U.S. college, which pays for the cost of tuition, a place to live, and meals while in school.
- SHE-CAN: The organization funds test preparation classes and costs not covered by your scholarship that your family can’t afford, including passport and visa fees, flight (one to U.S. and one home), textbooks, health insurance, etc.
- Scholar & Family: Scholars fund travel to and from test preparation classes in your country’s capital city. When you arrive in the U.S., you are expected to work on campus to fund your personal expenses (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.). While SHE-CAN funds your health insurance, the organization is unable to fund medical expenses outside of what the insurance covers, including dental and vision expenses.
Eligibility
- Open to a woman between the ages of 17-20
- Passionate about improving your country
- High school graduate or graduating high school by June 2027
- Access to capital city if selected for an interview (Note: Guatemala location is dependent on applicants)
- From a low-income household
- Interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at a U.S. college or university (SHE-CAN does not work with students seeking graduate degrees)
- Have less than 1 year of university or other post-secondary credits
- Already a leader in your school or community
- A strong English speaker: Your ability to speak and write in English is critical because all U.S. universities require a high score on an official language exam, such as the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. Therefore, if your English is not strong, they recommend that you spend a year studying and apply next year
- Academically strong: Consistently ranked high in your class with strong grades and a strong score on National Exam or WAEC/WASSCE
- Dedicated to this program: Able to dedicate your days in January – June to SHE-CAN’s pre-college program (accepted scholars must not work full-time during this period)
- Able to access a strong internet connection and computer daily to check emails
Application
You will need the following to apply:
- High school transcripts for grades 10, 11, and 12
- National exam score report or WAEC score report
- English translations of transcripts or exam scores if necessary (can be self-translated)
- Estimate of family’s monthly income
- Score reports for the SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL if you have taken them
- No application fee – free to apply!
Apply by Country
For more information, visit SHE-CAN Scholar Program.
