SHE CAN Scholar Program 2026 to 2027

Applications are open for the SHE CAN Scholar Program 2026 to 2027, an opportunity designed to support talented young women from Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala who have strong academic potential, leadership experience, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

The SHE CAN Scholar Program supports young women who have limited financial opportunities but demonstrate the potential and determination to pursue higher education and become leaders in their home countries. Selected candidates receive support throughout the process of securing a full ride undergraduate scholarship at a leading college or university in the United States.

The programme combines academic preparation, mentorship, leadership development, community service, and support with the U.S. college application process. SHE CAN Scholars are also connected with teams of U.S. based mentors who provide guidance before and during their university studies.

About the SHE CAN Scholar Program

SHE CAN is designed as a longer term pathway rather than simply a university scholarship application. Candidates first go through an intensive selection and preparation process in their home country. Successful candidates participate in academic preparation, including English language and standardized test preparation, and complete a community service leadership project known as the “Take the Lead” project.

Candidates who perform well in the preparation stage can become official SHE CAN Scholars. They are then matched with a team of four to six U.S. based mentors who support them through the college application process and preparation for studying in the United States.

During their college years, scholars receive leadership development and continued mentoring. SHE CAN also describes opportunities for internships and professional development. After graduation, the programme supports scholars as they prepare to return home and progress into professional and leadership roles in their communities.

Program Benefits

• Support toward securing a full ride undergraduate scholarship at a U.S. college or university

• College funded tuition, accommodation, and meals through the resulting scholarship

• Academic and English language test preparation

• Support with costs that may not be covered by the college scholarship, including eligible passport and visa expenses

• Support for eligible flights to the United States and return travel

• Textbook and health insurance support

• Dedicated mentorship from a team of U.S. based mentors

• Leadership development and community service experience

• Support throughout the U.S. college application process

• Professional networking and career guidance

• Opportunities for leadership training and internships

Programme Areas

The programme focuses on:

• Undergraduate education

• Leadership development

• Academic preparation

• English language development

• Community service

• Mentorship

• Professional development

• Women’s leadership

• Community and national development

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be a woman between 17 and 20 years old

• Be from Cambodia, Liberia, or Guatemala

• Be passionate about improving their country

• Be a high school graduate or graduating from high school by June 2027

• Come from a low income household

• Be interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at a U.S. college or university

• Have less than one year of university or other post secondary credits

• Already demonstrate leadership in school or the community

• Have strong English speaking and writing abilities

• Demonstrate strong academic performance and grades

• Have a strong national examination result or WAEC or WASSCE result where applicable

• Be able to dedicate their time to the SHE CAN pre college programme from January through June

• Be able to access a reliable internet connection and computer on a daily basis

• Be able to access the relevant capital city if selected for an interview

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11, and 12

• National examination score report or WAEC score report

• English translations of transcripts or examination results where necessary

• Estimate of the family’s monthly income

• SAT score report if available

• ACT score report if available

• IELTS score report if available

• TOEFL score report if available

The programme states that applicants do not need to pay an application fee.

How to Apply

1. Review the SHE CAN eligibility requirements carefully.
2. Confirm that you are applying from Cambodia, Guatemala, or Liberia.
3. Prepare your academic transcripts, examination results, family income information, and any available standardized test results.
4. Complete the application for your country through the official SHE CAN application platform.
5. Submit your application before the applicable deadline.
6. If shortlisted, prepare to participate in the country specific interview process.
7. Successful candidates will proceed through the SHE CAN academic preparation and community service process.
8. Candidates who meet the programme requirements will continue to the U.S. college application and scholarship process with support from SHE CAN and their mentors.