K-L YES 2025 - 2026
PROGRAM APPLICATION:
Q1: When did the program start, and when did Saudi Arabia join the program?
A1: The program was established by the U.S. Congress in October 2002 and officially started in Saudi Arabia in 2005. Our first student participated in the program in 2005. In Saudi Arabia, AMIDEAST manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office.
The program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State, also gives participants the opportunity to gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and improve their chances of participating in U.S. educational and exchange programs. The program promotes tolerance and the acceptance of cultural differences. U.S. cultural traditions and holidays are celebrated and fused with similar Egyptian events in an attempt to build cultural bridges.
Amideast is pleased to partner with Mercy Corps in the Nubader: Youth Activism Across Borders program targeting over 200 Jordanian youth, parents and community leaders in Ma’an as well as 100 American youth, parents and young professional leaders. The program will connect Jordanian and American youth, parents and community mobilisers through virtual exchange meetings, seminars and facilitated sessions focused on civic engagement, community strengthening, cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and youth resilience.
The objectives of the Nubader program are:
To support youth seeking to enroll in high-quality universities in the U.S., the program aims to achieve the following:
YES students are chosen to serve as "youth ambassadors" of their home country. During their year in the U.S., they live with a host family, attend an American high school, and participate in leadership and cultural exchange activities. Through these experiences, they learn about U.S. society and values while educating Americans about Saudi Arabia and its rich cultural heritage.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established by the U.S. Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001. Funded through the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA), this innovative public diplomacy initiative offers scholarships for a year of study in the United States.
The Access Program offers two years of English language instruction and additional workshops and activities designed to improve participants' appreciation of U.S. culture and values, encourage critical thinking and open-mindedness, and improve their performance in regular school classes.
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.
We are no longer accepting applications for YES 2025-2026.
The program is vital to expanding communication between the people of the United States and the partner countries in the interest of promoting mutual understanding and respect. Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.
To apply for this year's KL-YES Program,
We are no longer accepting applications for YES 2025-2025.
HEADQUARTERS
2025 M Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036-3363
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:30
Phone: 202-776-9600
Fax: 202-776-7000
For Test and Score Report Inquiries:
testing@amideast.org
For General Inquiries:
inquiries@amideast.org
