Our Students
Meet the Future Leaders of South Sudan
First Cohort Class of 2027
Ghai Tit Buny
Juba Academy, Juba
Ghai is a member of YLASS's founding cohort, currently studying at Yale University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy, he is committed to using his education to contribute to South Sudan's future. Full bio coming soon.
Kuot Kiir Aluetmiir
Darling Wisdom, Juba
Kuot is a rising senior at Stanford University studying International Relations and Political Science. Originally from Akeer Adoor in rural South Sudan, he walked hours each day to reach school as a child. At Stanford, he serves as YLASS's Tech Director and Program Systems Lead. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of The Akeer Foundation, through which he has secured $100,000 in funding to build a school serving 1,500 students across 20 villages. Featured in The Stanford Daily, Kuot speaks English, Dinka, Arabic, and Luganda.
kuotkiir.comSantino Makuei Marial
Juba Academy, Juba
Santino is a member of YLASS's founding cohort, currently studying at Harvard University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy in Juba, he represents the caliber of talent YLASS helps reach world-class institutions. Full bio coming soon.
Yor Daniel Chol
Juba Academy, Juba
Yor is studying at Haverford College on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy, he joined YLASS's first cohort and is pursuing his education to make a lasting impact on South Sudan. Full bio coming soon.
Didi Ding Mayen Kuai
Juba Academy, Juba
Didi was a bright and ambitious member of YLASS's founding cohort who earned admission to Babson College on a full scholarship. She passed away in March 2024 and is laid to rest in her hometown of Bor. Her spirit and determination continue to inspire every student in the YLASS community.
In Loving Memory
Majok Thiong
Juba Academy, Juba
Majok is a member of YLASS's founding cohort, currently studying at Cornell University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy in Juba, he is building the skills and knowledge to drive change in South Sudan. Full bio coming soon.
Majok Anyieth
Juba Academy, Juba
Majok is a member of YLASS's founding cohort, currently studying at Duke University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy, he is dedicated to using his education to contribute to his community and country. Full bio coming soon.
Second Cohort Class of 2028
Aluk Bak Barnaba Chol
Juba Academy, Juba
Aluk is a member of YLASS's second cohort, currently studying at Princeton University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy, he is pursuing a world-class education to serve as a future leader for South Sudan. Full bio coming soon.
Wol Bol Wol
Juba Academy, Juba
Wol is a member of YLASS's second cohort, currently studying at Whitman College on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy, he is committed to his academic journey and to giving back to South Sudan. Full bio coming soon.
Abouch Bol Akot
Darling Wisdom, Juba
Abouch is a member of YLASS's second cohort, currently studying at the University of Pennsylvania on a full scholarship. A graduate of Darling Wisdom in Juba, he is building a foundation for impact through one of the world's leading universities. Full bio coming soon.
Julia Agum Mangar Bol
Bishop Mazzolari, Rumbek
Julia is a member of YLASS's second cohort, currently studying at Harvard University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Bishop Mazzolari in Rumbek, she is one of the talented women representing South Sudan at the highest levels of education. Full bio coming soon.
Alier Monybeny Bilkuei
Don Bosco, Juba
Alier is a member of YLASS's second cohort, currently studying at Wesleyan University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Don Bosco in Juba, he is dedicated to academic excellence and service to South Sudan. Full bio coming soon.
Elizabeth Aguil Tong
Juba Diocesan, Juba
Elizabeth is a member of YLASS's second cohort, currently studying at Harvard University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Diocesan, she is among the inspiring women forging new paths for South Sudanese students worldwide. Full bio coming soon.
Third Cohort Class of 2029
Mei Deng Mayiik Mei
St. Lawrence Academy, Juba
Mei is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Dartmouth College on a full scholarship. A graduate of St. Lawrence Academy in Juba, he is continuing the tradition of South Sudanese excellence at Ivy League institutions. Full bio coming soon.
Isaac Tokmac
Lassalle Boys S.S., Rumbek
Isaac is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Cornell University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Lassalle Boys Secondary School in Rumbek, he brings talent from beyond Juba to the global stage. Full bio coming soon.
Chirilo Kuch Makur
St. Mary's Kitende, Kampala
Chirilo is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at MIT on a full scholarship. A graduate of St. Mary's Kitende in Kampala, Uganda, he is pursuing his passion for science and technology at one of the world's leading institutions. Full bio coming soon.
Nyibol Paul
Juba Academy S.S., Juba
Nyibol is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Yale University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Juba Academy Secondary School, she is among the talented women breaking barriers for South Sudanese students globally. Full bio coming soon.
Nyariay Kic
Independence S.S., Juba
Nyariay is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Wesleyan University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Independence Secondary School in Juba, she is dedicated to her education and to uplifting her community. Full bio coming soon.
Mark Maker Ater
Kabianga High School, Kenya
Mark is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Columbia University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Kabianga High School in Kenya, he represents the reach of YLASS beyond South Sudan's borders. Full bio coming soon.
Dak Ngueny Ret
Friends Kamusinga School, Kenya
Dak is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Duke University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Friends Kamusinga School in Kenya, he is building the skills to make a meaningful impact on South Sudan's development. Full bio coming soon.
Ajak Simon Mathiang
Salaam S.S., Juba
Ajak is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Vanderbilt University on a full scholarship. A graduate of Salaam Secondary School in Juba, he is committed to academic growth and service to his nation. Full bio coming soon.
Dhieu Kuol
St. Lawrence Academy, Juba
Dhieu is a member of YLASS's third cohort, currently studying at Princeton University on a full scholarship. A graduate of St. Lawrence Academy in Juba, he is pursuing excellence at one of the world's most prestigious institutions. Full bio coming soon.