The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established in October 2002. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, along with the U.S. exchange community, recognized the importance of youth exchange as a key component to building bridges between citizens of the United States and countries around the world, particularly those with significant Muslim populations.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to study for one academic year in the United States.
YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Participants 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 officially launched in the Philippines in 2004 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 420 Filipino 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 the Philippines, AFS USA manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office. 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 requirements.
Eligibility
Be between the ages of 15-17 by the start of program;
Preferably have a valid Philippine passport, or NSO authenticated birth certificate and DSWD independent travel clearance (for minors) (Note: these documents maybe submitted after being selected as finalist);
Be enrolled in 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade at the time of application;
Be among the top 25% of academic performance in grade level;
Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
Be a citizen of the Philippines.
Important Note: All immediate family members of AFS Philippines-administered sponsored programs scholars & alumni (ASEAN, ACCU-UNESCO, Akiko’s Wish, Egypt educator, JENESYS, Kizuna, AFS INT Diversity, YES, PYLP, AAI Journalism Grant, Kamenori, NEXT 50, HIroshima, corporate scholarships, among others) up to the first degree (by birth or by marriage), as well as AFS Philippines staff and board members up to the third degree (by birth or by marriage), are regretfully automatically disqualified to apply for any of the full scholarship exchange programs.
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.
Benefits
- round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States;
- the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation;
- placement with a U.S. host family for 10 to 11 months;
- a modest monthly stipend;
- health insurance; and
- the cost of program activities and materials.
Further reading, http://www.yesprograms.org/countries/philippines
Cost not covered by the scholarship
Some costs that you can expect to incur from your child’s participation in the program include costs associated with obtaining a passport, required medical examinations and immunizations, and extra pocket money while on program.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Organizations implementing the YES program report to the U.S. Department of State.
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.
Sample application
AFS-Partial-Scholarship-Application-Form
Submit your application to
YES Program By AFS
Unit 1607 16/F Antel Global Corporate Center
No. 3 Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center
1600 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: 02 584 2002
Email: [email protected]
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