The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program provides scholarships for high school students from countries of strategic importance to the United States to spend an academic year in the U.S. Participants live with host families, attend American high schools, develop leadership skills, and engage in activities to promote mutual understanding. Students act as youth ambassadors, sharing their culture while learning about American society and values. The program was established by Congress in response to the events of September 11, 2001 and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Note (as of April 2026): Recruitment for the 2026-2027 academic year has been paused. Check the official YES Program website (yesprograms.org) for updates on future programming.