Fully Financed 2025/2026 Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange Program U.S. Department of State

Fully Financed 2025/2026 Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange Program U.S. Department of State. Get more with us as we unveil the secrets to a successful application.

The U.S. Ministry of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Teen Interaction and Training (YES) Initiative is currently accepting submissions for the 2025-2026 season. This opportunity invites high school students from countries with substantial Muslim populations to spend an academic year in the United States. Through this exchange, participants live and study in the U.S. as part of the Department of State’s effort to foster global connections.

YES students play a pivotal role as “youth ambassadors,” representing their home countries and building cross-cultural understanding. By staying with host families, attending American high schools, and participating in community activities, these students develop leadership abilities and gain insights into U.S. culture and values. In turn, they share information about their own culture, enhancing Americans’ understanding of their home countries.

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Fully Financed 2025/2026 Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange Program U.S. Department of State

In Nigeria, the YES program began in 2003 with the goal of enhancing communication and mutual respect between Nigerians and Americans. Since its inception, more than 402 Nigerian students have graduated from the program, continuing their involvement as alumni. The scheme is operated in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State by an association of nonprofits led by Metropolitan Municipalities for Foreign Education. IRIS, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy’s Media Relations Office, oversees the initiative within Nigeria.

Kennedy-Lugar YES Program Scholarship Coverage

The YES scholarship includes:

Back and forth airfare among the student’s country of residence and the U.S.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Placement with a U.S. host family for a 10–11 month stay
A modest monthly allowance
Health insurance
Funding for program activities and necessary materials

Eligibility Requirements for YES Program Applicants

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

Be aged 15–18 by the start date of the program (August 15, 2025)
Recently enrolled in an advanced school in either of following states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Katsina, or Taraba
Have completed JSS 3 by August 2025
Maintain an average of a “B” or higher with no failing grades
Have not stayed in the U.S. for over 90 days during the space of a period of five years
Be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa (note: U.S. citizens won’t be suitable for J-1 visas)
Be a Nigerian citizen and resident

Application Process

The YES selection process involves multiple stages, starting with a pre-selection exam. This test, covering math and English, serves as an initial screening step; only high-scoring candidates proceed to the full YES application process.

For the 2025-2026 program, pre-selection exams are scheduled for November, with recruitment focused on Gombe, Katsina, Kebbi, and Taraba states. Interested students who meet the qualifications should reach out to IRIS Country Director Dr. Saidu Yakubu at saiduyakubu@iris-center.org for exact exam dates and venues.

Program Details