Deadline: 1-Nov-22
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Morocco is calling applications for its 2023 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program to provide scholarships for high school students to study for one academic year in the United States.
YES students 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 supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES program was established by the U.S. Congress in 2003 to improve understanding between countries with significant Muslim populations and the United States. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, forming a cultural bridge of understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities.
After their year in the United States, YES alumni can look forward to participating in the active Moroccan YES alumni network.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 (be born between August 15, 2006 and August 15, 20078) by the start of program (August 15, 2023);
- Be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application;
- Be entering 10th or 11th grade in Fall 2022;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades and have a record of high academic achievement;
- Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding;
- Meet a minimum English proficiency requirement;
- Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and was not born in the U.S.
- Be a citizen of Morocco;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
For more information, visit https://ma.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchanges-programs/youth-programs/
