Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study Program in Bangladesh

Deadline: 31-Oct-21

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2022-2023 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program.

This U.S. Department of State exchange program provides scholarships for Bangladeshi high school students (aged 15 to 17 years old) with an opportunity to study at an American High school, live with a host family, and serve as a youth ambassador for their country.

The program officially launched in Bangladesh in 2004 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Bangladesh in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 390 Bangladeshi students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.

The YES program is administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of State by a consortium of non-profit organizations led by American Councils for International Education. In Bangladesh, iEARN-BD manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office.

Program Components

Live and study in the United States: The K-L YES Program provides students with an opportunity to learn about American culture and society by living with a host family and attending a local high school. Students have an opportunity to take a diverse array of courses and participate in extracurricular activities at their school such as robotics, debate, and other competitions.
Develop critical skills and build a global network: YES students will have an opportunity to engage in various activities that advance mutual understanding, respect for diversity, create global network and become members of the YES alumni community.
Civic engagement and in community service: Students will engage in community work and volunteerism, enhancement activities, service celebrations that will help to develop leadership skills, civic education, and share their culture with their host community.

Eligibility Criteria

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 (not a day older than 17) by the start of program (August 15, 2022);
Have a date of birth between August 15, 2005 and August 15, 2007;
Be currently enrolled in grade 8, 9, 10 or 11 in Bangladeshi high schools or colleges (secondary education institution). Bangladeshi citizens studying in foreign countries are not eligible to apply;
Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades within the last two academic years;
Provide transcripts from 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, and achieved the equivalent of a B average or better;
Applicants cannot have a gap year or repeated year of study in the last four academic years;
Demonstrate sufficient English language ability to speak and to study in English;
Have not spent more than a total of 90 days in the U.S. in the past five years;
Applicants cannot have any or both parents currently employed by the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Mission;
Applicants must not have applied for U.S. immigration through family or relatives;
Be a citizen of Bangladesh and not dual citizens or permanent residents of the U.S, or any other country;
Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).