Impact Young Lives (IYL)

The Impact Young Lives (IYL) has partnered with the University of Oklahoma, through a memorandum of agreement, to build a successful academic program in which the University of Oklahoma permits up to four University students to serve as interns for IYL. These interns assist with all the functions of IYL including, writing internal and external communication, marketing, grant-writing, end of year publication, responding to Board of Directors and Advisory Board requests, strategy, operations and public relations. IYL will train at least two University students per semester and provide at least one of them with an opportunity to participate in the annual Expose, Enlighten, & Educate program in furtherance of IYL and the University’s missions. The Impact Young Lives Foundation, Inc. would like to extend their appreciation to the University of Oklahoma’s International Program Center.

For more information, please visit the Impact Young Lives Foundation website at www.iylfoundation.org

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IYL Mission:
The Impact Young Lives Foundation identifies exceptional young leaders amongst previously disadvantaged South African university students and transforms them into globally-minded citizens by providing both scholarships and exposure to a well-established civil society in action.

Working in partnership with a network of youth-oriented leadership groups in both South Africa and the United States, IYL exposes and prepares these students for other exemplary programs to assist with their continued development and ultimately their nation’s success. IYL is a 501 (C)(3) organization in the U.S. and Section 21 in South Africa.

IYL awards:
IYL scholars receive several awards, all of which will help transform them into globally-minded citizens and tap into their leadership potential. Their experience begins with a reception held in their honor at the U.S. embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, sponsored by the U.S. Ambassador. Next they embark on the Expose, Educate & Enlighten Experience. This experience brings students to the U.S. for a three-week trip visiting major U.S. cities—such as New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia— and engaging with leaders in government, business, science, technology, education, and media institutions. This experience is a cornerstone of their journey as an IYL Scholar.

Additionally, each IYL Scholar receives a $1,000 scholarship to the South African university or technical college of their choice and access to an international network of mentors, supporters, friends, and programs to assist them with their leadership development and career goals. After the Expose, Educate & Enlighten Experience, IYL Scholars participate in workshops every other month led by mid-career South African professionals on life’s skills, leadership and development programs available in the local area to help them continue to flourish. Scholars with exemplary grades, active civic leadership and successful internships during their time in university will receive assistance in applying for internships and additional study opportunities in the U.S.

Board of Directors