The United States Government YES Scholarship is for students from countries with significant Muslim populations to live and study for an academic year in the United States.
The U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program will cover the full participation costs of selected applicants for this opportunity including visa, flights, accommodation, monthly stipends, and the costs of training materials.
Fact About The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
- Global Reach: The YES program operates in over 40 countries with significant Muslim populations, promoting cultural understanding and exchange between the U.S. and participating nations.
- Youth Ambassadors: Since 2003, over 10,000 students have participated in the YES program, serving as “youth ambassadors” for their home countries and fostering global connections.
- Full Ride Scholarship: The YES program covers 100% of participation costs, including flights, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and program activities, making it a life-changing opportunity for students.
- Host Family Experience: YES students live with American host families, immersing themselves in U.S. culture and forming lasting relationships.
- Academic Excellence: Participants attend American high schools, acquiring valuable education and skills that enhance their future prospects.
- Leadership Development: The YES program focuses on developing leadership skills, empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Cultural Exchange: YES students share their cultures with American communities, promoting mutual understanding and breaking down stereotypes.
- Alumni Network: The YES program boasts an active alumni network of over 10,000 members worldwide, providing a lifelong connection for participants.
- Congressional Support: The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supported by the U.S. Congress, demonstrating bipartisan commitment to international exchange and understanding.
- Life-Changing Impact: YES alumni report significant personal growth, increased cultural awareness, and enhanced career opportunities, making the program a transformative experience.
Details For United States Government YES Scholarship 2025 (Youth Exchange and Study)
Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States.
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 Nigeria in 2003 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Nigeria in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 402 Nigerian students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.
Requirements For United States Government YES Scholarship 2025 (Youth Exchange and Study)
To be considered for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program, you must:
- Be between the ages of 15-18 by the start of program (August 15, 2025);
- Must be enrolled in a secondary school in Adamawa, Bauchi, Katsina, or Taraba states;
- Must have completed JS3 class by August 2025;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
- Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
- Be a resident and citizen of Nigeria.
Rewards For United States Government YES Scholarship 2025 (Youth Exchange and Study)
The YES scholarship covers costs related to:
- round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States;
- the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation;
- placement with a U.S. host family for 10 to 11 months;
- a modest monthly stipend;
- health insurance; and
- the cost of program activities and materials.
How To Apply For United States Government YES Scholarship 2025 (Youth Exchange and Study)
The following steps are required to be successfully considered for the United States Government YES Scholarship program;
- There are multiple rounds to the YES selection process, the first of which is a pre-selection exam.
- The pre-selection exam, a Math and English test, serves as a screening tool as only candidates who score well on the test are invited to fill out the official YES application.
- For the 2025-2026 program year, the pre-selection exam will take place in November and we will be recruiting finalists and alternates in Gombe, Katsina, Kebbi, and Taraba states.
- Students who are interested in taking the pre-selection exam and who meet the eligibility requirements listed above should email IRIS Country Director, Dr. Saidu Yakubu at saiduyakubu@iris-center.org for specific dates and testing sites.
- All YES finalists complete a YES program application, take an English proficiency exam, write a proctored essay, and participate in a group activity and individual in-person interviews.