Apply for The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange And Study (K-L YES) Program 2021-2022 in USA.
U.S. Embassy Dhaka is pleased to announce its call for applications for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) 2021-2022. The YES program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships for Bangladeshi high school students, grades 8 to 11 with strong academic records, to spend up to one academic year in the United States. Students live with American host families, attend American high schools, interacting with American teachers and students.
Students become active members of the school and community and gain valuable leadership skills by participating in extracurricular activities, volunteer projects, and local community events. Students also have the opportunity to share Bangladesh culture and values with Americans. The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation.
This is a high school exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This program was established in October 2002. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, along with the U.S. exchange community, desire from this program to building bridges between citizens of the United States and countries around the world, particularly those with significant Muslim populations.
There are multiple rounds to the YES 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.
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 Bangladesh, International Education and Resource Network – Bangladesh (iEARN-BD) manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office.
Location:
BangladeshBenefits
Selected students spend one academic year in the United States, living with American host families, studying at American high schools. Since 2004, three hundred and eighty-five Bangladesh high school students have participated in the YES program.
Eligibilities
The YES scholarship program is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 15 – 17 (not a day younger than 15 and not a day older than 17) by the start of the program (August 1, 2021);
- Have a date of birth between August 1, 2004, and August 1, 2006;
- Be currently enrolled in grades 8, 9, 10, or 11 in Bangladeshi high schools or colleges (secondary education institution). Bangladeshi citizens studying in foreign countries are not eligible to apply;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades within the last two academic years;
- Demonstrate sufficient English language ability to speak and to study in English;
- Have not spent more than a total of 90 days in the U.S. in the past five years;
- Applicants cannot have any or both parents currently employed by the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Mission;
- Applicants must not have applied for U.S. immigration through family or relatives;
- Be a citizen of Bangladesh and not dual citizens or permanent residents of the U.S, or any other country;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
Candidates are also expected to:
- Have demonstrated leadership skills;
- Be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel for one academic year;
- Be prepared to adapt to American high school life and live with an American host family;
- Be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
- Be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic, community service, and educational travel program, and comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country;
- Be able to accurately present Bangladeshi culture in American schools and communities;
- Be committed to returning to Bangladesh upon completion of the program.
Application Process
Detailed application instructions can be downloaded via the Apply Link
Please review the program requirements prior to starting an application to ensure that you are eligible. Please note eligibility requirements are determined by the U.S. Department of State and exceptions cannot be made.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2020
Application ClosedOfficial link
