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 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 Jordanian YES alumni network.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to participate in the YES, students:
- Must be born between February 15, 2007 and August 15, 2010
- Be between the ages of 15 to 18.5 by the start of the program (August 15, 2025)
- 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 U.S Citizen or permanent residence or have been born in the United States.
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
Must not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years .
Students will be placed in carefully chosen American host families by experienced youth exchange organizations that will also monitor and advise the students throughout their stay in the United States. Major expenses such as airfare, room and board, monthly allowance and most other costs will be paid for by the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES).
The YES application process in the Jordan goes through several phases:
Pre-Application: Applicants fill out and submit a preliminary application form.
English Placement Tests: Eligible applicants are invited in November to take English language proficiency exams, and to write proctored essays.
Full Application: Selected applicants who pass the English tests are invited to complete the full YES application.
In-person interview: Candidates who submit the full application are invited for individual and group interviews.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are closed, deadline was Oct 10th 2024.
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 with leadership-building workshops, appropriate information, and support as needed to enhance their year in the United States. Students with disabilities must also meet the above eligibility requirements.
UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS
To learn more about this program, register to attend an upcoming virtual information session:
Applicants from Jordan:
- Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 3:00pm through Zoom. Click HERE to register.
- Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 3:00pm through Zoom. Click HERE to register.
- Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 3:00pm through Zoom. Click HERE to register.
- Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 3:00pm through Zoom. Click HERE to register
For questions, contact us at scholarshipsjo@amideast.org or call us at 06-5929994
