The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) is a public charitable foundation based in Bristol, Vermont, USA, which has been approved under the United States Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3). WMI expands access to higher education—primarily across Africa—and invests in outstanding young leaders through university scholarships, skills-building, leadership development, and start-up support for community impact projects.

Each year, WMI provides scholarships to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a university in their home country or region. Financial support may include:

• University tuition and fees

• Books and required course materials

• Accommodation and meals

• Transportation

Please note: The WMI Scholarship is not a full scholarship. It may not cover all university or living expenses, and applicants should plan for additional financial support if needed.

Scholarships are typically provided for the full duration of the degree program. To remain eligible each year, Scholars must:

• Maintain above-average grades

• Complete 100 hours of community service annually

• Submit bi-annual academic and community service reports on time
  

Academic reports will include:

• Semester grade results

• Current bursary or fee statement

• Current academic calendar

• A completed Scholar Expense Tracker with receipts showing how WMI funds were spent
  

Community service reports will include:

• A summary of service activities

• Photos documenting the activities
  
  

WMI may discontinue a scholarship at any time in cases of unsatisfactory academic performance, dishonesty, misuse of funds, or failure to complete the community service requirement.

Scholarship awards are determined by trained volunteer reviewers and the Scholarship Management Team. Awards are granted once per year, with final decisions announced on August 1.

Eligibility: Our ideal candidate

We seek exceptional, community-focused students who face significant financial barriers to university education. An ideal WMI Scholar:

• Is 35 years of age or younger as of August 1, 2026

• Will study in their home country (or within their home region when local programs are unavailable)

• Has completed secondary school or is in the final year, with above-average or excellent grades

• Is applying to a university OR is currently enrolled in their first undergraduate degree or diploma program

• Plans to live and work in their home country or region after graduation

• Has previous volunteer experience and is committed to completing 100 hours of community service each year during their studies

• Has some financial resources, but cannot afford university without additional support

  • The WMI Scholarship is a partial scholarship and does not cover all tuition or living costs.

• Is a first-generation university student (preferred but not required)

Additional Details

• We highly recommend that you review the WMI Scholars Program Information Flyer,WMI Scholars Application Frequently Asked Question and the WMI Scholars Recommendation Letter Guidelines documents on our website to assist you in preparing the most complete and competitive application possible.

• Applications must be successfully submitted via the application portal by March 1 at 11.59pm EST, each year to be considered.

• WMI Scholarship recipients are selected through an in-depth multi-step review process. The selected WMI Scholars will be emailed on August 1. Their names will also be published on our website homepage and the WMI Facebook page. Those who are not selected will also be notified after August 1.

• Please DO NOT type your responses in all capital letters.

• Scholars planning to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, or Western Europe will not qualify for a WMI Scholarship.

• Applications or application materials sent by email will not be considered. All applications and required uploads must be submitted through the online application portal.

• Family members of WMI Team Members and of current WMI Scholars are not eligible to apply.

Information You Need

Please prepare the following items before you start your application:

1. School Documents

• Secondary school transcripts (grades from all schools you attended)

• National exam results (if your country has them)

• University transcripts (only if you are currently studying or studied before)

• University fee structure (you can find this on the university’s website if you are not yet accepted)

1. Personal Statements (Short Essays)

   You must write two short essays. Each essay must be 500 words or less.

A. Please write a 350–500 word personal statement that describes your background and the experiences that have shaped your life. You may include information about your family, community, education, or any challenges or opportunities that influenced your path.

In your essay, please explain:

• What circumstances led you to apply for the WMI Scholarship

• Why you believe you are a strong candidate, including qualities, values, or achievements that demonstrate your commitment to your goals

• How this scholarship would support your long-term aspirations

B. In 500 words or less, please explain what inspired you to pursue your chosen field of study. Share the experiences, interests, or role models that influenced your decision.

In your essay, also describe:

• Why this field is a good fit for your strengths, talents, or passions

• How your degree will equip you to contribute to your community, nation, or region

• The impact you hope to create in the future

We encourage you to be specific and help us understand why this field matters to you and how it connects to your long-term goals.

3. Essay Question (500 words)

Essay Prompt: This essay gives you the opportunity to share your ideas about issues affecting you and your community.( Note: This is a hypothetical scenario and not a funding request.)

• In 500 words or less, answer the following: If you were given $1,000 to address a challenge in your community, what issue would you focus on and why?

In your response, briefly explain:

• The root cause of the issue and why it persists

• Why this issue matters to you personally

• How your field of study connects to the issue or your approach

• What you would do with the $1,000 grant to begin addressing the issue (a simple plan, not a detailed proposal)

• How you would measure success, including 2–3 realistic indicators

This prompt is designed to evaluate your ability to analyze a problem, think creatively, and propose a practical, meaningful solution.

Please note:

• Ensure that the work that you submit fully originates from you. If you borrow ideas from another source, cite any quotations or references, or the essay will be deemed plagiarized.

• The use of AI-generated text or outline structures is not allowed.

• Using uncredited ideas, content created by other persons, and AI-generated text directly violates the scholarship application policy. Your personal statements and essay will be checked for plagiarism and the use of AI-generated text. Any applicants found to have plagiarized or used AI-generated content will be considered ineligible for a scholarship.

4. Recommenders

You must provide:

The name and correct email address for two people who will write recommendations for you.

• Click HERE for Recommendation Guidelines

5. ID and Photo

You must upload:

• A headshot photo

• A national ID or another official photo ID

Click HERE if you want to download a PDF version of this application.

• Click HERE for a PDF version of the application

Opens: December 1, 2025 at 12:01AM EST 

Closes: March 1, 2026 11:59PM EST 

If you have questions regarding your eligibility or application status please email [email protected].