Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Abroad Scholarship

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES)

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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.

Eligibility:

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:

Be between the ages of 15-18 and 6 months (be born between February 1, 2003 and August 1, 2006) by the start of program (August 1, 2021);
Be enrolled in their first year of senior high school or final year of junior high school;
Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
Possess a good academic record and be among the top 20 percentile in class;
Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
Be a citizen of Ghana.
Students with Disabilities: The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation.

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.

What costs are covered?

The YES scholarship covers costs related to: