Kennedy-Lugar YES Program Overview:
High school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for a one semester/one academic year in the United States through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. 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 Malaysia in 2004 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Malaysia in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 750 Malaysian 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 Malaysia, AFS Malaysia 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 following
requirements:
- Applicant’s date of birth must be between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2009
Must be in Form 3 in the new school year starting March 2024 at the time of application (and/or other equivalent grades at the time of application).
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply and contact AFS Malaysia office for information on eligibility
- Students from the B40 communities are highly encouraged to apply
- Have the equivalent grade of a B average or better and no failing grades for 3 consecutive years
- Be a citizen of Malaysia
- Demonstrate leadership, community involvement in extracurricular activities
- Applicants must not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years.
- Meet the U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa)
Note:
YES seeks to ensure diverse participation in the program, representing all of Malaysian society. Preference will be given to candidates with limited overseas travel experience, especially to the United States. Please note, the final selection and placement of selected students is not subject to negotiation.
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. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact their YES office for information on eligibility.
