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 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 Moroccan YES alumni network.
ELIGIBILITY
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 (be born between August 15, 2007 and August 15, 2009) by the start of program (August 15, 2024);
- Be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application;
- Be entering 10th or 11th grade in Fall 2023;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades and have a record of high academic achievement;
- Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding;
- Meet a minimum English proficiency requirement;
- Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and was not born in the U.S.
- Be a citizen of Morocco;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
HOW TO APPLY
- Fill out the Kennedy-Lugar YES application completely
- Provide official school grades for the last two years (transcripts should include both the 1st and 2nd semesters)
- Provide one current photo
- Provide a birth certificate
Applicants can submit the application via email to MoroccoYES@amideast.org, deliver it in person to Amideast, or mail the application to the following address:
Kennedy-Lugar YES Program
Amideast 35, Rue Oukaimeden, Agdal, Rabat
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
