Deadline: 1-Nov-21
Are you a Jordanian high school student who is interested in studying for one year in the United States? If yes, then maybe the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is for you!
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program provides 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 US 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 US Department of State, the YES program was established by the US 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.
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 with leadership-building workshops, appropriate information, and support as needed to enhance their year in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to participate in the YES, students:
- Must be born between February 15, 2004 and August 15, 2007
- Be between the ages of 15 to 18.5 by the start of the program (August 15, 2022)
- Be enrolled in a secondary school (Grade 9 or Grade 10) at the time of application.
- Have an overall grade of at least “B” (80%) without failing grades and a cumulative grade of “B +” (85%) or better in English for the past three years.
- Meet a minimum English proficiency requirement, which will be measured by a test.
- Demonstrate flexibility and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
- Be a citizen of Jordan.
- Must not be a US Citizen or permanent residence or have been born in the United States.
- Meet US J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, US citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
For more information, visit https://jo.usembassy.gov/yes-program-now-accepting-applications-from-jordanian-students-across-the-kingdom/