US Youth Exchange Study Program for BD High School students

US Embassy, Dhaka.

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Study (YES) program provides Bangladeshi high school students with scholarships to study at an American high school, live with a host family, and acquire leadership skills by participating in various community service projects and extracurricular activities.

Application Deadline: Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (BST)

DHAKA, October 07, 2021: U. S Embassy Dhaka is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2022-2023 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (K-L YES) Program. The YES Program provides Bangladeshi secondary students between the ages of 15-17 years old with an opportunity to study at an American high school, live with a host family, and engage in community service projects with participants from over 35 countries. After completing the program, the students will return to Bangladesh equipped with new knowledge, skills, and a global network they developed in the United States to create positive change in their local communities.

Over the last 17 years, 392 Bangladeshi students have participated in this youth exchange program. Prominent Bangladeshi YES alumni include Shomy Hasan Chowdhury, who was recently featured in the Forbes Under 30 Asia list as a young social activist working to mobilize youth to increase access to clean water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene. After returning to Bangladesh, Shomy co-founded Awareness 360, an international youth-led organization mobilizing young leaders in 23 countries to engage in community service projects tied to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Program Components:

• Live and study in the United States: The YES Program provides students with an opportunity to learn about American culture and society by living with a host family and attending a local high school. Students have an opportunity to take a diverse array of courses and participate in extracurricular activities at their school such as robotics, debate, and other competitions.

• Develop critical skills and build a global network: YES students will have an opportunity to engage in various activities that advance mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and enhance their leadership skills. They will interact with fellow participants from around the world and become members of the YES alumni community upon returning to Bangladesh.

• Engage in community service and civic engagement: Students will engage in community service projects such as volunteering at a local clinic or food bank in their community.

They will also participate in enhancement activities such as educational and service celebrations to develop their leadership skills, learn about civic education, and share their culture with their host community.

Application Information and Deadline:

For detailed application instructions, please visit here.

Applications are due on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at 04:00 p.m. BST (Bangladesh Standard Time)

For additional information and to apply today, please visit www.iearnbd.org. -    Press release