The SHE-CAN Scholarship 2026 in USA is a fully funded opportunity for talented young women from Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala to earn a full-ride scholarship at a top U.S. college. This program supports ambitious female leaders who have few opportunities but incredible potential, providing access to world-class education, mentorship, and leadership training to drive change in their home countries.
SHE-CAN (Supporting Her Education Changes A Nation) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building female leadership in post-conflict countries. Founded to empower young women who are passionate about improving their communities, SHE-CAN partners with U.S. colleges to offer full scholarships, mentors, and pre-college preparation. Scholars join a sisterhood of global leaders committed to uplifting women and girls.
SHE-CAN Scholarship Benefits
- Full-ride scholarship from a U.S. college covering tuition, housing, and meals
- SHE-CAN funds test preparation classes (IELTS/TOEFL, ACT/SAT)
- Passport and visa fees covered by SHE-CAN
- Flight to the U.S. and one return flight home
- Textbooks and health insurance provided
- Mentorship from a team of 4-6 U.S. mentors
- Leadership training and annual Leadership Summit in California
- Summer internship placement through SHE-CAN networks
- In-country career support after graduation
SHE-CAN Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- 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 (Guatemala location dependent on applicants)
- From a low-income household
- Interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at a U.S. college or university (not for graduate degrees)
- Have less than 1 year of university or other post-secondary credits
- Already a leader in your school or community
- Strong English speaker (high score on TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo required)
- Academically strong with high class rank and strong national exam or WAEC/WASSCE scores
- Able to dedicate January–June to SHE-CAN’s pre-college program (cannot work full-time during this period)
- Able to access a strong internet connection and computer daily
How to Apply for SHE-CAN Scholarship
- Prepare your high school transcripts for grades 10, 11, and 12
- Obtain your national exam score report or WAEC score report
- Prepare English translations of transcripts or exam scores if necessary (can be self-translated)
- Estimate your family’s monthly income
- Gather score reports for SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL if taken
- No application fee – free to apply
- Use the application templates provided for Cambodia, Guatemala, or Liberia to prepare your answers
- Submit your application via the live application link for your country: Cambodia, Guatemala, or Liberia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the SHE-CAN Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded opportunity for young women from Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala.
What is the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
The SHE-CAN Scholarship is a fully funded program for young women from Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala. It provides a full-ride scholarship to a top U.S. college, along with mentorship, leadership training, and pre-college preparation. Scholars are supported to return home and become leaders in their communities.
Who can apply for the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
Women aged 17-20 from Cambodia, Liberia, or Guatemala who are high school graduates or graduating by June 2027, from low-income households, with strong academics and English skills, and a passion for improving their country. Applicants must have less than one year of university credits and be available for the pre-college program.
What are the benefits of the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
Benefits include a full-ride college scholarship covering tuition, housing, and meals; test preparation classes; passport and visa fees; flights; textbooks; health insurance; mentorship from U.S. mentors; leadership training; summer internships; and career support after graduation.
What is the deadline for the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
The application deadline for Cambodia and Guatemala is October 1, 2026, and for Liberia is November 1, 2026. Applications open in July 2026. Check the official website for exact dates and updates.
How do I apply for the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
To apply, prepare your high school transcripts, national exam scores, family income estimate, and any test scores (SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL). Use the application template for your country and submit via the live application link on the SHE-CAN website. No application fee is required.
What countries are eligible for the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
The SHE-CAN Scholarship is open to young women from Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala. Applicants must be from these countries and meet the eligibility criteria. The program focuses on post-conflict nations to build female leadership.
What is the selection process for the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
After applications are reviewed, selected candidates are invited for in-person interviews in their capital city. Semi-finalists then complete IELTS/academic preparation and a community service project. Final scholars are accepted in June 2027 and matched with mentors.
What is the timeline for the SHE-CAN Scholarship?
Applications open July 2026. Deadlines: Cambodia/Guatemala Oct 1, Liberia Nov 1. Interviews in late 2026. Pre-college program Jan-June 2027. Scholars accepted June 2027. College applications July-Oct 2027. Arrival in U.S. August 2028.
Does the SHE-CAN Scholarship cover graduate degrees?
No, the SHE-CAN Scholarship is for undergraduate degrees only. SHE-CAN does not work with students seeking graduate degrees. Scholars must be interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. college or university.
What is the SHE-CAN Sisterhood?
The SHE-CAN Sisterhood is a network of ambitious young female leaders from around the world. Scholars and graduates support each other, collaborate on projects, and work to improve the lives of women and girls in their home countries. Graduates return home to join this growing cohort.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
