Funded Exchange Program in the USA for Moroccan High School Students from the Kennedy-Lugar Foundation

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program is offering scholarshipsfor Moroccan high school students to study for one academic year in the United States. YES students 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 supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES program was established by the U.S. Congress in 2003 to improve understanding between countries with significant Muslim populations and the United States. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, forming a cultural bridge of understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. After their year in the United States, YES alumni can look forward to participating in the active Moroccan YES alumni network.

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.

What costs are not covered by the scholarship?

The costs associated with obtaining a passport required medical examinations and immunizations, and extra pocket money while on the program.

• Be between the ages of 15 and 17 (be born between August 1, 2004, and August 1, 2006) by the start of the program (August 1, 2021);
• Be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application;
• Be entering 10th or 11th grade in Fall 2020;
• Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades and have a record of high academic achievement;
• Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding;
• Meet a minimum English proficiency requirement;
• Be a citizen of Morocco;
• Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and was not born in the U.S.

Students with Disabilities:

The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. The Department of State and the YES program work with Mobility International (MIUSA) to provide students with disabilities leadership-building workshops, appropriate information, and support as needed to enhance their year in America. Students with disabilities must also meet the above eligibility requirements. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact their YES office for information on eligibility.

About Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program:

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 program 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. Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. While on the program, participants live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities. The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The YES Abroad program was established in 2009 to provide a similar experience for U.S. students (15-18.5 years) to spend an academic year in select YES countries.

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