Sponsorship and support
Money should never be the reason talent stays home.
YAG offers two levels of financial support. Decisions are made by the review committee on six documented factors, weighted equally.
How sponsorships are awarded
- Quality and completeness of the main application
- Demonstrated financial need (documentation provided)
- Relevance of background to chosen track
- Geographic diversity (underrepresented regions prioritized)
- Strength of motivation statement
- Available funding for the specific cohort
There is no hidden discretion. Every factor is documented and applied consistently.
Full vs Partial Sponsorship
Full Sponsorship
For candidates with demonstrated financial need and exceptional application quality.
- Conference registration
- International travel (economy class)
- Shared accommodation
- Visa support & documentation
- Daily meals during conference
- Local transportation
Required documentation:
Justification statement + proof of financial need (student ID, income documentation, or institutional letter).
Partial Sponsorship
For candidates with moderate financial need. Travel costs remain the participant's responsibility.
- Conference registration
- Accommodation assistance
- Visa support & documentation
- International travel
- Daily meals
- Local transportation
Required documentation:
Justification statement. Proof of financial need is optional but strengthens your application.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for sponsorship, you must:
- Hold an active YAG membership and have a submitted application for a specific YAG cohort
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of the conference
- Demonstrate genuine interest in the conference themes (evidenced by your application)
- Not have received a YAG sponsorship in the past 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for sponsorship?
Any accepted applicant who holds an active YAG membership and has submitted a complete application may apply. Sponsorship is awarded based on demonstrated financial need and quality of application.
Can I apply for sponsorship before being accepted?
Yes. You apply for sponsorship after submitting your main application. Sponsorship decisions are made alongside application review.
What documents do I need for a Full Sponsorship?
You will need to provide a justification statement and proof of financial need (e.g., student ID, income documentation, or a letter from your institution).
Is my $2.99 monthly membership refundable if I get a sponsorship?
Membership is separate from sponsorship. It's the $2.99 monthly fee that gives you access to apply, and it's subject to our refund policy. Sponsorship covers conference-related expenses like travel and accommodation, not your membership.
How are sponsorship decisions made?
Decisions are based on: quality of your application, demonstrated financial need, alignment with YAG's mission, geographic diversity goals, and available funding. There is no hidden discretion, every factor is documented.
Can I apply for Partial if I don't qualify for Full?
Yes. You choose which type to apply for. If you are uncertain, Partial is a good starting point as it has broader eligibility.