Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program supports high school students in a U.S. academic-year exchange to develop leadership skills, share their cultures, and build lasting relationships.
This grant was recently updated
January 2027 and 2027–2028 refer to exchange periods, not application deadlines. The page no longer confirms open spring 2027 recruitment in specific countries, so check your country’s YES page for current recruitment details; the 2026–2027 academic-year recruitment pause is still noted.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates: January 2027 (spring semester begins) | 2027–2028 (academic-year opportunity information available through FLEX Global)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded academic-year exchange in the United States
Summary: YES supports high school students from select countries in studying in the United States, developing leadership skills, and sharing cultures.
Key Information: Eligibility is limited to high school students from select participating countries.
Description
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program brings high school students from countries of strategic importance to live and study in the United States for an academic year. Established by Congress in October 2002, it is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. American Councils for International Education leads the in-country nonprofit exchange organizations that recruit and select participants and coordinate alumni activities.
Participants live with host families, attend American high schools, develop leadership skills, and join activities introducing them to U.S. society. As youth ambassadors, they share their home countries and cultures with Americans while building lasting relationships with host families and communities. Nonprofit placement organizations place and support students during their U.S. exchange.
