Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program

 

The YES Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations the chance to live and study in the United States for an academic year. Since its inception in 2003, this program has served as a bridge between cultures, enabling participants to become "youth ambassadors" of their home countries, fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and their native communities.

Through the YES Program, students live with American host families, attend high school, acquire leadership skills, and participate in community activities. In return, they share their culture, traditions, and experiences with their host families and peers, building lasting relationships and promoting international understanding.

Costs Covered by the YES Scholarship

The YES scholarship covers:

• Round-trip airfare to the U.S.
• Pre-Departure Orientation
• Host family placement for 10-11 months
• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance
• Program activities and materials

However, costs related to passports, medical exams, and extra pocket money are the responsibility of the family.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the YES program, applicants must:

• Be between 15 and 17 years old by August 15, 2025.
• Be enrolled in a secondary school in Pakistan, in either 9th or 10th grade (O’ Level 9th and 10th graders are eligible, but O’ Level 11th graders are not).
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 60% across core subjects (English, Mathematics, Sciences) without any failing grades from the past three academic years.
• Have no gap year or repeated academic year.
• Be proficient in English.
• Meet U.S. J-1 visa requirements.
• Be a Pakistani citizen residing in Pakistan (dual nationals are ineligible).
• Have no previous travel experience to the United States.
• Not be the sibling or child of YES Program alumni or staff of Society for International Education (SIE) or iEARN-Pakistan.

Additional Preferred Criteria

• Demonstrate the ability to represent Pakistani culture and values in U.S. schools and communities.
• Exhibit maturity, adaptability, good character, and a willingness to engage in cross-cultural exchanges.
• Have a record of required immunizations.
• Commit to attending classes as a full-time student, maintaining at least a ‘B’ average, and following YES Program rules.

Application & Selection Process

1. Step 1: Application Submission Eligible students can download the YES Program application from the YES Pakistan website and courier it to the SIE office. Hand-delivered applications are not accepted. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

2. Step 2: Online Interview Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview. If selected for the next round, students must submit medical documentation (Form M).

3. Step 3: Proctored Essay, Group Activity & In-Person Interview Qualified students will participate in a proctored essay-writing session, group activities, and an in-person interview.

4. Step 4: English Language Proficiency Test (ELTiS) Students who pass the interview stage must take the ELTiS to assess their English proficiency.

5. Step 5: Final Evaluation Finalists will be selected based on their overall performance and will be notified by the YES Pakistan Program Director.

Program Costs

The YES Program covers all major expenses, including airfare, U.S. visa fees, accommodation, school tuition, and a monthly stipend of $200.

FAQs

• Age Flexibility: The age requirement is strict. Students must be between 15 and 17 years old by August 15, 2025.
• Program Commitment: Students are discouraged from applying unless they are fully committed to participating if selected.
• Previous U.S. Travel: Students who have traveled to the U.S. are ineligible.
• Nationality Requirement: Only Pakistani citizens living in Pakistan are eligible. Dual nationals are not considered.

Deadline 

The deadline to apply for the YES Program 2025-26 is October 21, 2024.

Apply Now: Yes Program 

Also check out : Hansen leadership Program