YES Program
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
Go to Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program's website
Stories from students at YES Program
Overview of Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
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.
📍Location
In-Person, US🇺🇸
💸 Costs & Aid
- 0
- The YES scholarship is a full scholarship that covers major costs including round-trip airfare, placement with a U.S. host family, a modest monthly stipend, health insurance, and program activities and materials. Costs not covered include passport fees, medical examinations and immunizations, and extra pocket money.
Eligibility Requirements
📋 General Requirements
Applicants must be enrolled in a secondary school, be able to communicate in English, meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (U.S. citizens are not eligible), and be a citizen and resident of an eligible country. Applicants must not have completed or graduated from any secondary school before the start of the program year. Selection is based on merit.
👥 Age Requirements
Typically between the ages of 15-17. Specific age requirements and dates may vary by country, so applicants should check with their local YES office.
📚 Grade Requirements
Applicants must be enrolled in a secondary school and meet country-specific grade requirements.
🌍 Eligible Countries
Citizen and Permanent resident of Albania🇦🇱, Bangladesh🇧🇩, Bulgaria🇧🇬, Bahrain🇧🇭, Bosnia & Herzegovina🇧🇦, Cameroon🇨🇲, Egypt🇪🇬, Ghana🇬🇭, Indonesia🇮🇩, India🇮🇳, Israel🇮🇱, Jordan🇯🇴, Kenya🇰🇪, Kuwait🇰🇼, Lebanon🇱🇧, Liberia🇱🇷, Libya🇱🇾, Morocco🇲🇦, North Macedonia🇲🇰, Mali🇲🇱, Mozambique🇲🇿, Malaysia🇲🇾, Nigeria🇳🇬, Pakistan🇵🇰, Philippines🇵🇭, Palestinian Territories🇵🇸, Saudi Arabia🇸🇦, Senegal🇸🇳, Sierra Leone🇸🇱, Suriname🇸🇷, Thailand🇹🇭, Tunisia🇹🇳, Turkey🇹🇷, Tanzania🇹🇿, Kosovo🇽🇰, South Africa🇿🇦
Application Process
The application process involves multiple rounds, typically including an English proficiency exam, a proctored essay, completion of a YES program application, and participation in group and individual in-person interviews. Finalists are selected on the basis of merit.
📅 AcademicYear
Duration
10 to 11 months