Questions, answered.

• Who is Twelve for?

  Ambitious, curious high-school students who want to understand Africa and its diaspora more deeply, learn from accomplished people, find ambitious peers, and make something real.

• Do I need to be African or have African parents?

  No. You do not need to have been born in Africa or have African parents to apply. Twelve welcomes high-school students who are genuinely interested in Africa and the African diaspora.

• When does the next cohort start?

  January 16, 2027.

• When is the application deadline?

  November 15, 2026.

• How long is Twelve?

  Six weeks.

• How often do students meet?

  Two core live sessions per week, about 12 core sessions in total, including the opening and closing.

• What happens during the six weeks?

  Sessions on identity and perspective, mentorship through fireside conversations, small groups and Q&A, conversations with people from leading companies and top universities, real community with your cohort, and The Twelve Project, which you present at the end.

• What is The Twelve Project?

  You choose something about the world you care about, investigate it, talk to people, take a position, and make a meaningful response: a prototype, policy proposal, short documentary, research brief, campaign, design or something else. Then you present it and defend your thinking. It doesn’t have to be a startup, nonprofit or business.

• What do students leave with?

  A completed project, a final presentation, the Twelve Portfolio (the record of your project), feedback from accomplished people, and a community of ambitious peers.

• Who do students present to?

  Executives, founders, mentors and other accomplished professionals. Company affiliations vary by cohort.

• What is the Washington, D.C. Experience?

  An optional +$200 add-on to the same cohort. Students begin and end Twelve together in person in Washington, D.C., with face-to-face mentor time, smaller conversations with founders and executives, a conversation with university admissions professionals, the Executive Interview, a live project showcase and cohort time. Each day runs from morning to early evening.

• What does the $200 include?

  The in-person opening and closing days, additional mentor, founder and university conversations, the Executive Interview, the live Twelve Project showcase, and cohort time including shared meals.

• Is Washington, D.C. required?

  No. The virtual program is complete on its own.

• Does D.C. include travel or hotel?

  No. Travel and accommodation are not included.

• How much does Twelve cost?

  The six-week program is $600. The optional Washington, D.C. Experience is an additional $200.

• Who will students meet?

  Founders, executives, mentors, creatives and university professionals, including people whose experience includes organizations such as Netflix, OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and JPMorgan Chase. Guests vary by cohort, and affiliations do not imply institutional sponsorship.

• What kinds of universities participate?

  Students hear from admissions professionals, university leaders, faculty, students and alumni connected to leading universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Penn and Columbia. This does not imply formal partnership or any admission advantage.

• Does Twelve guarantee college admission?

  No.

• Is Twelve a college prep program?

  No. University access is one part of a broader experience.

• Do I need to know a lot about Africa?

  No. You need curiosity and openness.

• Do I need perfect grades?

  No. We understand that growth isn’t linear, we consider the holistic achievements of every student.

• How old do I need to be?

  Twelve is for students currently in high school. If you are under 13, please ask a parent or guardian to complete the interest process with you.

• What happens after the six weeks?

  The relationships keep going. Twelve is designed so the people you meet stay part of your life, and we’re building the community with each cohort.