Kennedy-Lugar YES Program USA Scholarship

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study YES Program offers Pakistani students in Matric and O-Levels a chance to attend high schools in the United States for one academic year. This fully funded scholarship is supported by the U.S. government and provides an opportunity to live with American host families. Open to students from 39 countries, the YES Program helps young people experience American culture firsthand. Since 2003, over 1,270 students from Pakistan have benefited from this program, gaining exposure to the U.S. education system and lifestyle. The students can visit the official website and they can get latest updates of Kennedy-Lugar YES Program USA: A Fully Funded Scholarship for Pakistani Students.

The application deadline for the YES USA Program is October 21, 2024.

Advantages of the YES Program for High School in the USA

The YES Program covers all major expenses for selected students, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in their educational and cultural experience. These benefits include:

Round-trip airfare to and from the United States
U.S. Visa processing fees
Accommodation and meals while staying with a host family in the USA
Full tuition coverage at an American high school
A monthly stipend of $125

With these expenses covered, students can focus on their studies and cultural exchange without worrying about finances.

Eligibility Requirements for the YES Program

To apply for the YES Program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be Pakistani citizens residing in Pakistan
Be currently enrolled in 9th or 10th grade, or in O-Levels students in the 11th grade of O-Levels are not eligible
Be between 15 and 17 years old by August 15, 2025
Have achieved a minimum of 60% marks in core subjects English, Mathematics, Science in the most recent exam, with an overall average of at least 60% in the past three years
Be proficient in English, with at least 60% marks in English exams for the last three years
Have not previously traveled to the United States

Additionally, students must maintain a minimum of 60% marks in their final examination before leaving for the USA. Proof of these marks will be required prior to departure.

Additional Considerations for Final Selection

Beyond the basic eligibility, candidates are more likely to be selected if they:

Pass the YES Program Entry Test
Exhibit a strong understanding of Pakistani culture and values, and can effectively represent them in U.S. schools
Show maturity, flexibility, adaptability, strong character, and academic ability
Are willing to integrate into the daily life of their American host family
Have proof of required immunizations as per the YES Final Application guidelines
Commit to fostering cross-cultural understanding during their stay
Agree to attend classes as full-time students and maintain at least a B average in their U.S. school
Abide by the rules of the YES Program and meet all U.S. J-1 visa requirements

How to Apply for the YES Program

Submit the Preliminary Application

Eligible students who meet the program’s requirements and agree to the Parent-Student Agreement and Program Rules can download the Preliminary Application form from the YES website. The completed application should be sent by courier to the SIE office. Female students, students with disabilities, and students from government or non-elite schools are strongly encouraged to apply. If a students school does not participate in the application process, students can submit their applications directly.

Take the Entry Test

Once the Preliminary Applications are reviewed, shortlisted candidates will be notified of their Entry Test and orientation dates by email or letter. It is essential that students provide correct contact details to ensure proper communication.

Interview and Group Activities

Applicants who pass the Entry Test will be invited to participate in group activities and interviews. During this stage, students will need to complete the YES Final Application and bring it with all necessary documents on the interview day.

English Language Test

Students who successfully pass the interview will be required to take a standardized English language test for international students.

Final Selection

The final selection will be based on the results of the Entry Test, interviews, and the quality of the completed YES Final Application. Successful candidates will receive an acceptance letter and Scholarship Acceptance form from the YES Program office.

Important Notes for Applicants

Applicants are advised to regularly check the YES website and Facebook page for updates on the selection process. Providing false information or submitting forged documents at any stage will result in immediate disqualification.
The Kennedy-Lugar YES Program offers an incredible opportunity for Pakistani students to experience life in the United States, build cross-cultural understanding, and gain valuable educational experience in an international setting.

Kennedy-Lugar YES Program USA Scholarship