Deadline:
December 15, 2024
Location(s)
United States of America
Overview
Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States.
Details
YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Participants live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture. Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. While on program, participants live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities. The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The YES Abroad program was established in 2009 to provide a similar experience for U.S. students (15-18.5 years) to spend an academic year in select YES countries.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility
In keeping with the U.S. Government-sponsored initiatives, dedicated to democratic reform, the competition for the Youth Exchange and Study scholarship is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 15-17;
- Be enrolled in the first or second year of secondary school at the time of application and not have graduated from secondary school prior to the program start date;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
- Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
- Be a citizen of an eligible country.
Dates
Deadline: December 15, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
