Deadline: As soon as possible
Location(s)
United States of America
Overview
The U.S. State Department’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program brings high school students from countries of strategic importance to the United States for an academic year to advance the U.S. foreign policy goals of promoting civil society, youth leadership development, and lasting ties between Americans and the people of participating countries.
Details
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 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: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.