US Embassy Beirut announces the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program 

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has announced the 2025-2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES). This scholarship program provides high school students between the ages of 15-17 with the opportunity to spend a full academic year in the United States.

Selected students will live with American host families in the U.S. and attend American high schools. They will also engage in activities to learn about American society and values, develop leadership skills, and help educate Americans about Lebanese culture. The scholarship covers round-trip travel expenses, tuition fees, health insurance, accommodation, and a monthly allowance to cover miscellaneous expenses. 

Since the program launched in 2003, more than 600 Lebanese students have spent an academic year in American homes and attended high schools across the United States. 

To apply for this program, students must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

- Be currently enrolled in the Brevet or 1st secondary class of the Lebanese baccalaureate program or in the 9th or 10th grade of the high school program 

- Be born between August 15, 2008 and August 15, 2010 

- Be a resident and citizen of Lebanon or a long-term Palestinian residing in Lebanon 

- Not be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder) 

- Demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility and adaptability 

- Have a minimum of “B” average or 12/20 for the past three years without failing grades 

- Have strong English language ability: minimum "B" average or 12/20 in English for the past three years 

- Agree to attend classes in the U.S. as full-time students and maintain at least a "C" average or 10/20 in a U.S. high school 

- Demonstrate willingness to participate in American host family daily life 

- Have not previously attended school for a semester or academic year in the United States 

This program supports students with disabilities as long as they meet the above-mentioned eligibility requirements. 

Interested candidates can apply online through the following link: 

https://lb.usembassy.gov/kennedy-lugar-youth-exchange-and-study-yes-program-in-lebanon-2/  

Candidates can also apply at the AMIDEAST website:  

https://www.amideast.org/lebanon/find-a-scholarship/high-school-and-younger/yes-program-for-lebanon 

The application deadline is November 15, 2024.