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The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Training Program (YES), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships for high school students (ages 14-16) to spend one academic year in the United States. The program is critical to expanding communication between the peoples of the United States and Lebanon to promote mutual understanding and respect. Students live with host families, attend high school, and participate in activities to learn about American society and values, gain leadership skills, and help educate Americans about Lebanese culture.
The program supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation.
Since 2003, thousands of students have participated in the YES program. In the next academic year, about 882 students will join the program from: Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Egypt, Gaza, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel (Arab communities), Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey and the West Bank.
In Lebanon since 2003, 644 students from all regions of the country have already participated.
Upon their return, students will apply their leadership skills in their home countries. In fact, alumni groups have formed and are involved in many community service activities including clothing drives, mentoring younger children, teaching English, immunization campaigns and many more.
To be eligible to participate in the YES program, a student must:
- Be a Lebanese citizen or a long-term Palestinian resident of Lebanon
- Be currently enrolled in the Brevet or 1st grade of the Lebanese Baccalaureate program or in the 9th or 10th grade of the high school program
- You have a date of birth between August 1, 2006 and August 1, 2008
- Demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic ability, flexibility and adaptability
- Have a minimum “B” GPA or 12/20 for the last three years (no failing grades)
- You have strong English language skills: Minimum ‘B’ average or 12/20 in English for the last three years
- Agree to attend classes in the U.S. as a full-time student and maintain at least a “C” GPA in a U.S. high school or 10/20 in the U.S.
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in the daily life of the American foster family
- You have not previously attended high school for a semester or school year in the United States
- Not be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
How to apply:
- Complete the online application through the following link: Online application
- Incomplete applications will NO to be considered.
- Provide official school grades for the last three years (preferably in English).
- Provide a recent passport size photograph.
- Provide a copy of a Lebanese ID card or residence ID card
**Application deadline is Friday, November 18, 2023**
Selected students will take an English language test. Final selection will be based on the application, grades, essays, English proficiency test, and group and individual interviews conducted by a local review committee.
Program Specialist at Amideast: Mariam Mukaled
Street address: Bazerkan Building (next to Parliament), Nijmeh Square, Beirut Central District, Beirut
Postal address: PO Box 11-2190 Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2100
Phone: 961-1-989901 ext. 162
WhatsApp Hotline: 961-81-667212
Email: lebanon@amideast.org
Work time: Monday – Friday: 8:00-16:30
Amideast administers the Kennedy-Lugar YES program as part of a consortium led by the American Councils and including AFS Intercultural Programs, iEARN and Iowa Resource for International Service.
Basic expenses such as airfare, room and board, and pocket money will be paid for by the YES scholarship.
For more information, please visit: https://www.amideeast.org/lebanon/find-a-scholarship/high-school-and-younger/kennedy-lugar-youth-exchange-and-study-yes-program
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