Application for the Dream Big Conference is open to WMI Scholars and Alumni in good standing who are able to commit to full participation.

Because space is limited to 200 participants, all applications are reviewed using WMI’s holistic selection process. Submitting an application form does not guarantee a spot, and some qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist.

Please note that the Dream Big Conference is not a public event. Only approved WMI Scholars and Alumni who receive a confirmed registration invitation are eligible to attend.

We encourage all interested applicants to review this page carefully before submitting their registration.

The invitation to apply for the Dream Big Conference 2026 is open only to WMI Scholars in good standing.

Who is a WMI Student Scholar in good standing?

• Currently enrolled in university courses
• Has submitted the January 2026 WMI Academic Report
• Has submitted the January 2026 WMI Community Service Report
• Is not on academic probation or scholarship probation
• Is not involved in a current or on-going Scholar Review Board case
• Note: Members of the incoming WMI Scholars Class of 2026 will not qualify to attend the Dream Big Conference in 2026. We look forward to welcoming you in 2029! 

The Dream Big Conference brings together 200 WMI Scholars and Alumni from across our global community for learning, leadership, and connection. Because interest in DBC is always high, we use the following selection process to create a diverse and meaningful experience for everyone.

All applications are reviewed holistically, considering:

• Your motivation and readiness to participate fully
• Your leadership, service, and community involvement
• Your engagement with WMI programs and activities
• Whether this would be your first Dream Big Conference
• Geographic and gender representation
• Balanced participation of Scholars and Alumni

We also consider practical factors, including your ability to attend the full conference and the availability of limited travel support. These factors help us use donor resources responsibly while reaching as many Scholars and Alumni as possible.

Because of the high number of strong applications, not all qualified applicants can be confirmed right away. Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist, and additional spaces often become available as plans and funding are finalized.

If you are placed on the waitlist, please know that this does not reflect your value or contribution to WMI. It simply means we are working to balance many strong applications to build an inclusive and dynamic conference community.

We are grateful for your interest in DBC and for the leadership you demonstrate every day. We look forward to reviewing your application and staying connected with you throughout the process.

We encourage all applicants to plan carefully and meet each deadline to ensure a smooth and successful conference experience.

February 1 – February 28, 2026
The Dream Big Conference application period is open throughout February. All interested WMI Scholars and Alumni in good standing must submit the DBC Application Form by February 28, 2026.

March – April 2026
Applications are reviewed using WMI’s holistic selection process. Selection and waitlist notifications will be sent by email in April 2026. Selection emails will include each participant’s travel stipend award amount.

April – June 2026
Confirmed participants will receive access to the Registration and Travel Information Form. This form requires:

• Proof of intended bus or flight purchase
  
• Proof of available personal funds if the travel stipend does not cover the full round-trip cost
  

June 15, 2026 (Deadline)
The Registration and Travel Information Form must be submitted by June 15, 2026. Participants who do not complete this form by the deadline may forfeit their spot, which will be offered to someone on the waitlist.

June – July 2026 (Visa Support)
WMI will support registered Scholars with tourist visa applications for Kenya after proof of round-trip travel has been submitted. Visa applications will be processed during June and July 2026.

August 2026 (Conference Documentation)
At the start of August, all registered conference participants will receive an official WMI conference support letter to assist with international travel.

Travel Stipend Distribution

• Air travel stipends will be sent on a rolling basis beginning in April 2026
  
• Bus travel stipends will be sent beginning in June 2026

Waitlist Updates

As soon as a conference space becomes available, scholars on the waitlist will be notified via email.

To complete this form successfully, please have the following ready:

• Confirm that as a WMI Student Scholar you have submitted your January 2026 reports
• Confirm that as a WMI Alumni you have submitted the WMI Alumni Annual Survey 2025
• Have researched estimated travel costs to Nairobi (bus or flight)
• Have prepared the three short essay responses (200–250 words each)
• Have digital copies of your ID and/or passport (PDF or clear photo)

Required Three Essay Questions (200-250 words each):

• Why do you want to attend the 2026 Dream Big Conference in Kenya? What would this opportunity mean to you at this stage of your academic, professional, or leadership journey?
• The Dream Big Conference is a highly participatory space. What perspectives, skills, or lived experiences would you bring that would enrich discussions, collaboration, or learning among fellow Scholars?
• Describe a way you are currently creating impact—through leadership, service, research, entrepreneurship, or advocacy—in your community or field. How does this work reflect WMI’s values of service and sharing the benefits of education with others?

Accommodations
All registered participants will have guaranteed accommodation on campus in student dormitories. Accommodation will be provided for four nights in shared rooms (two participants of the same gender per room, with single beds for both) with common bathrooms divided by gender in each building. Room assignments will be made by WMI prior to the conference.

Meals
Meals and tea breaks will be served throughout the conference. The timing and location of meals will be included in the final conference schedule.

Pay close attention to the details provided regarding passports, government-issued photo IDs, visas, and vaccinations (Yellow Fever).

Travel Documents

As a guest in another nation, you must have the required documents to cross borders. Conference attendees will fall into three categories:

• Kenyan Citizens/Citizens with study/residency permissions: We will request a photo of your National ID to grant you access to the conference venue.
• East African Community Citizens: You will need your National ID to cross the land border. A passport is always advisable for international air travel.
• All Other Citizens: You will need a valid passport to enter Kenya. Your passport must be valid until at least March 2027.

Tourist Visa

As a guest in another nation, you must have legal permission to enter. WMI Scholars will fall into two categories:

• Those needing a tourist visa
• Those who are exempt and will not need a visa

The following guidance has been posted on the Directorate of Immigration Services page. Citizens of the following nations or falling into the following categories DO NOT need a tourist visa to enter Kenya:

1. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits, and Passes.
2. All persons whose passports are endorsed with valid Kenya reentry passes or any other written authority in lieu of a re-entry pass.
3. Citizens of the East African Partner States: These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda for a period not exceeding 180 days.
4. Nationals of the following Countries for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days:
   • Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji Island, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Maldives, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Union of Comoros, Samoa, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Kitts and Navis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Bahamas, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, The Republic of Congo, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
5. Nationals of the following African countries for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days:
   • Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Togo, and Tunisia.

To learn more visit: https://etakenya.go.ke/general-information

If your nation was not listed above, you will need a Kenya Single Entry Visa – Tourism. WMI will be processing all Kenya Single Entry Visa – Tourism applications and payments online for confirmed registered attendees. The visa process will not begin until proof of travel tickets has been provided. More information will be provided to those who are required to obtain a Kenya Single Entry Visa – Tourism at a later date.

Note: All participants will receive a formal Dream Big Conference 2026 invitation letter to support their entrance into the nation.

Vaccines 

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter Kenya. However, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination remains required for many nationalities. Please review the following webpages for the most updated information: 

• Kenya Ministry of Health – Arriving Travelers Information 
• Kenya Ministry of Health – African Countries Requiring Yellow Fever Vaccination

We are very excited to host DBC 2026 with our partners at the United States International University – Africa. For many WMI Scholars and Alumni international travel will be involved which requires advance planning, a financial commitment + savings, travel documents, the purchasing of tickets, and time away from studies, internships, places of employment, and family. 

WMI is committed to reducing financial barriers so scholars can participate in the conference. However, our support is limited. For scholars who need support, WMI offers travel stipends to help cover part of the cost of transportation to and from Nairobi.

Travel stipends are partial subsidies. They may not cover the full cost of travel, and scholars will be required to contribute to cover the total expense.

How DBC Travel Stipends Work

Travel stipend amounts are determined using:

• Your country of travel
• Typical travel distance and travel costs to Nairobi
• WMI available funding
• Demonstrated financial need + ability to provide proof of the remaining amount for the travel
• Cost-effective routing options (such as bus travel when feasible)

All awards are subject to verification, and amounts listed below represent maximums.

Travel stipends for Dream Big Conference 2026 are budgeted primarily to support current WMI Student Scholars.

WMI Alumni are welcome to request travel stipend assistance and explain their circumstances in the application. However, in most cases, current students will receive first priority in the award process. We understand that this may be disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding.

In 2026, WMI looks forward to expanding access through new ways of sharing conference workshops and activities, including livestreaming and recorded sessions, so that more scholars and alumni can participate regardless of travel limitations.

As always, WMI strives to serve as many scholars and alumni as possible with the resources available. We are deeply committed to increasing our reach and impact in the years ahead and look forward to growing these opportunities together.

Travel Stipend Tiers (Maximum Awards)

Country-based travel tiers are used to guide travel stipend amounts:

Tier 1: Local: Up to $40 USD

Tier 2: Near Regional: Up to $75 USD

Tier 3*: Regional (East Africa): Up to $125 USD

Tier 4: Continental (Moderate-Cost Travel Within Africa): Up to $400 USD

Tier 5**: Long-Haul / High-Cost Routes: $600–$900 USD

*Note: Tier 3: For some neighboring countries, scholars may travel by bus. In these cases, Tier 3 is designed to cover standard travel costs.

**Note: Tier 5: Awards vary based on documented costs and routing availability.

Country Travel Tiers

Below is WMI’s 2026 country list by travel tier. If your country is not listed, WMI will assign a tier during the review process.

Tier 1–2: Kenya, Tanzania

Tier 3: Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia

Tier 4: Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Sudan, Egypt

Tier 5: Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar (Burma), Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kazakhstan, Albania, North Macedonia, Palestine, Yemen

Important Notes

• Travel stipends are not guaranteed and depend on available funding
• Listed amounts are maximum awards and may be lower in some cases.
• Scholars are expected to use cost-effective travel options, including ground transportation when feasible.
• You may be asked to provide estimated costs, proof of purchase, and/or receipts.
• WMI may adjust awards if airfare pricing or routing changes.
• Certain countries with limited routing options (such as South Sudan) may be reviewed case-by-case.

Sending of Travel Stipends: WMI will begin authorizing and sending travel stipends to WMI Scholars whose registration has been confirmed and whose Travel Information Form has been submitted with all required documents as follows:

• Air travel: Beginning in April 2026
• Bus travel: Beginning in June 2026

Note: WMI Scholars are encouraged to purchase their airline tickets as soon as possible, as fares tend to increase as the date of departure nears.

The Dream Big Conference is a global event supported by the generosity of many conference sponsors and WMI donors. 

There is no application or registration fee, visa fees will be paid for by WMI, and all meals and accommodations during conference dates are provided at no cost to WMI Scholars. In addition, WMI provides partial travel stipends to support scholars. 

There are a few expenses that may be applicable to and are the responsibility of WMI Scholars:

• Additional expense to cover the full cost of travel
• Transportation within Nairobi, if you do not plan to use the scheduled complimentary conference transfers
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, and tourism expenses for early arrival or late departure
• Passport application or renewal
• National identification card application or renewal
• Yellow Fever vaccination and card/booklet
• Rebooking fees for missed busses or airplanes

Keep these expenses in mind as you plan for fundraising activities.

Return of Travel Stipends: If you are no longer able to attend and you received a travel stipend, you are required to return the full stipend to WMI by August 31, 2026. Review the travel stipend policy in the Travel Stipends section.

There are many opportunities for WMI Scholars to engage as conference leaders. Watch for email announcements to volunteer and apply for some of the following opportunities: 

1) Kenya Planning Committee – Scholars based in Kenya

Busy working behind the scenes and ready to welcome you to their nation is the Kenya Planning Committee. The planning committee is composed of WMI Kenya Fellowship members and fellow scholars from other nations who study in Kenya who are assigned to the following committees: 

• Welcoming & Logistics Team
• Evening Events & Fellowship Activities
• Community Service
• Workshop Facilitators

Their hard work throughout the months leading up to the conference will be evident once participants arrive. More info to come!

2) Host a Workshop

The Dream Big Conference is a highly participatory learning space that brings together Scholars, Alumni, and external partners to learn from one another. Most DBC workshops are led by invited industry experts and WMI Board Members. However, each year, WMI also invites a small number of qualified Scholars and Alumni to serve as workshop presenters or co-facilitators based on demonstrated experience, preparation, and alignment with WMI’s values. Express your interest in the opportunity within the DBC 2026 Application.

3) Shine as a WMI Panelist

WMI Scholars are amazing. Each scholar has a story to be shared and learned from. During the Dream Big Conference 2026, we will hear from panelists who have overcome obstacles, triumphed, and are excited to share their pathways to success with you! The panel topics and application to apply to serve as a panelist will be announced soon.

4) WMI Fellowships Present Evening Entertainment

Once conference sessions and keynote presentations have ended for the day, we shift our attention to evening entertainment at the Dream Big Conference! WMI Fellowship groups are encouraged to submit proposals to be the hosts of evening entertainment. We look forward to creative, engaging,and high-energy evenings! A call for proposals will be publicized. 

Once your registration has been confirmed, you should begin planning for your travel arrangements. 

If traveling by plane, ticket prices vary considerably throughout the year and you should research when the best time to buy the tickets will be. WMI highly suggests networking with other WMI Scholars within your nation and the region to arrange transportation. 

Traveling as a Group
It is suggested for scholars to travel in groups. If you live in a nation or a region with other scholars, consider the benefits of planning your trip to Kenya together:

• Negotiate a discounted group rate for your transportation needs
• Ensure making flight/bus connections and handling logistics
• Security in numbers
• Time passes faster when having fun
• Start forming bonds and networking before you reach Kenya

Arrival Date & Time – Friday, August 21, 2026
Participants should plan to arrive in Nairobi by 3pm EAT on Friday, August 21, 2026.

There will be scheduled complimentary buses providing transportation from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the conference venue at specific times on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Keep in mind the following travel distances to and from campus:

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport: 30km plus notorious heavy traffic in Nairobi

Bus terminals are predominantly located in the city center: 14km plus notorious heavy traffic in Nairobi

• Ena Coach (domestic bus routes): KPCU Building, Along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi
• Dar Lux Buses (Tanzania to Kenya): Veew Plaza, Opposite KCB Bank, River Road, Nairobi
• Mash Poa (Uganda to Kenya): Accra Road, Nairobi
• Modern Coast (From Uganda and Rwanda to Kenya): River Road, Nairobi
• Mash Poa (Rwanda to Kenya): Accra Road, Nairobi

Departure Date & Time – Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Participants should plan their departure travel arrangements based upon the conference ending at 12pm EAT on Tuesday, August 25.

There will be scheduled buses departing from the conference venue to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 3pm. Departure flights should not be scheduled before 7pm EAT on Tuesday, August 25.

Early Arrivals & Extending Your Stay
Participants are welcome to travel to Kenya prior to the start of the conference and stay later for personal tourism at their own expense. The WMI Kenya Fellowship will be providing a list of affordable accommodations and suggested sites to visit. If you would like to arrive prior to the conference or extend your stay, this is information you must declare in your Travel Information Form, as it may impact your visa dates.