17 year old Krisann Danielle Bedassie is the new recipient of the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program. She is the first student in Trinidad and Tobago to receive the internationally renowned summer initiative for top performing high school students.
Krisann Danielle Bedassie, a form 5 student of St Joseph’s Convent San Fernando is the recipient of the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program that will see her participate in a two-week program from July 6th to July 18th, 2025 in the United States.
“Yale Young Global scholars is an academic enrichment program for outstanding high school students from all across the globe. It’s for two weeks and students can choose to study solving global challenges, culture, but I am going to study politics, law and economics.
I am really excited because Yale is an Ivy League University, and this stands as an accomplishment not just for me but for all of Trinidad and Tobago because I am the first admitted student from Trinidad and Tobago.”
With the status of Yale University as a top University, the criteria to get into this program is one Krisann says came with a lot of hard work.
“My grades had to be really good, I had to have a certain GPA, I had to have a myriad of extra curriculum activities which I’m proud to say I did possess. I am a 2024 National Youth recipient in the category of Health and Wellness. I am also a sustainable development goals ambassador for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation and I am also a well awarded Spoken Word artist.”
The passion for advocacy has propelled Krisann to pursue opportunities such as this. She says this is an opportunity for her to continue using her voice for change.
“If you have a voice you should use it, you should advocate for people who cannot advocate for themselves and I am in a position where I have been afforded a quality education, I’ve been educated by teachers in my school about the importance of using your voice for the right thing, and I don’t want to be left behind when these pivitol decisions are being made.”
Although partial parts of the program costs have been covered, Krisann says airfare, travel and related costs remain uncovered. She and her family are seeking financial support to offset these costs.
“With regards to ground transportation, because when we reach to JFK Airport, we have train service which we will be using the train I believe it is. So the cost to travel that is like 500 US and then we have accommodation, hotel accommodation which is like 150 US a night, so this will be like 12 to 14 nights.”
To offer assistance and further information, contact Krisann’s mother at 336 – 2805 and for any contributions, they can be deposited into Mrs Bedassie’s First Citizens Bank account with the account number 1984690.