What is the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study Program?
The U.S. Department of State established the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program in October 2002 in recognition of the importance of youth exchange as a key component to build bridges between citizens of the U.S. and countries around the world. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and provides scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to attend high school in the U.S., live with an American host family, and serve as “youth ambassadors” for their home countries.
The YES program officially launched in Malaysia in 2004 to expand communication between the people of United States and Malaysia to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, more than 550 Malaysian students have participated in the YES program and are now members of the YES and U.S. Embassy Alumni communities. Malaysian YES students spend one academic semester in the U.S. from January – June 2022.
The U.S. State Department’s YES program is administered in partnership with a consortium of non-profit organizations. In Malaysia, AFS Malaysia manages YES in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur.
Please be informed this YES Program is open for Form 3 and Form 5 in 2021 or other equivalent grade students only.