Youth Exchange and Study Program

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program provides scholarships to Pakistani high school students for one academic session in United States. YES program scholarships, funded by the The US Department of State-Bureau of Cultural Affairs , give secondary school students in many countries a new opportunity to study at American high schools and live with American host families for one academic year. The YES scholarship program is implemented by a consortium of organizations lead by American Council.

Students are enrolled in a full academic year of high school study in the US, attending classes, labs and extracurricular programs with their American classmates. YES students also participate in special enrichment activities, including community service, youth leadership training, a civics education program and other activities that develops a well-rounded understanding of American culture through interaction with diverse groups of Americans. Likewise, participating students act as cultural ambassadors to their American host communities, becoming invaluable resources for Americans, whose contact with YES students provides them with an opportunity to learn about the rich and vibrant cultures of students home countries.

Since 2003, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program has provided scholarships to 500 Pakistani high school students.