Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2022

High school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program.  YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities.

• Table of Content
• About Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
• Yes Program
• Aim and Benefits of Yes Program
• Requirements for Yes Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

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.  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... continue reading

Yes Program

Aim and Benefits of Yes Program

• 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.
• The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. The Department of State and the YES program work with Mobility International (MIUSA) to provide students with disabilities leadership-building workshops, appropriate information and support as needed to enhance their year in America

Requirements for Yes Program Qualification

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 15-18.5 by the start of program (August 15, 2022);
• Must be enrolled in a secondary school in Kano or Katsina states;
• Must have completed SS1 class by August 2021;
• Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
• Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
• Be a citizen of Nigeria.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit YES website.