The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program was established in October 2002 to provide scholarships for high school students (15-17 years) from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.

The YES Program evolved out of a generalized recognition that public diplomacy efforts had been neglected in many countries around the world for many years and that the effects of this came into stark focus in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001. The importance of youth exchange was recognized as a key component of renewed commitment to building bridges between citizens of the U.S. and countries around the world, particularly those with significant Muslim populations.

In a wonderful exchange of culture and customs, high school students between the ages of 15 and 18, from Egypt, Gaza, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, West Bank, and Yemen, Saudi Arabia & many more, live as a “son” or “daughter” in an American family and attend high school for a school year.