KENNEDY-LUGAR YOUTH EXCHANGE AND STUDY (YES) PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
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 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 of strategic importance 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 Lebanese YES alumni network.
ELIGIBILITY
-To be eligible to participate in the YES program, students must:
-Be a Lebanese citizen or a long-term Palestinian resident in Lebanon
-Be currently enrolled in the Brevet or 1st secondary class of the Lebanese baccalaureate program or in the 9th or 10th grade of the high school program
-Have a birth date between August 1, 2005 and August 1, 2007
-Demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility and adaptability
-Have a minimum of “B” average or 12/20 for the past three years without failing grades
-Have strong English language ability: minimum "B" average or 12/20 in English for the past three years
-Agree to attend classes in the U.S. as full-time students and maintain at least a "C" average or 10/20 in a U.S. high school
-Demonstrate willingness to participate in American host family daily life
-Have not previously attended school for a semester or academic year in the United States
-Not be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY:
-Fill out the Kennedy-Lugar YES application completely. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
-Provide official school grades for the last three years (preferably in English).
-Provide a current passport-sized photo.
-Provide a copy of Lebanese or residency ID.
Applicants can submit the application online to lebanon@amideast.org, deliver it in person to Amideast, send it through the school, or mail the application to the following address:
Kennedy-Lugar YES Program
Amideast
PO BOX 11-2190
Beirut 1107 2100
The link to the application form is https://www.amideast.org/sites/default/files/Fillable%20Online%20Applica...
There are multiple rounds to the YES application and selection process. All applicants are required to take an English proficiency exam, write a proctored essay, complete a YES program application, and participate in group and individual in‐person interviews. All finalists are selected on the basis of merit.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
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. Students with disabilities must also meet the above eligibility requirements.
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