Selection of students for training in the United States of America

The Minister of Secondary Education informs the general public of the training opportunity offered by the United States of America under the program « The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) »This training offer is aimed at students aged 15 to 17. The related information is available on the websites: www.yesprograms.org/countries/cameroon and www.iearncameroon.org

The focal point of this program at the US Embassy is Mr. Leanne Cannon, « Public Affair Officer ». He can be contacted at [email protected] or at 222 201 500.

About the program

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established in October, 2002. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, along with the U.S. exchange community, recognized the importance of youth exchange as a key component to building bridges between citizens of the United States and countries around the world, particularly those with significant Muslim populations. 

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to study for one academic year in the United States. YES 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.

The program officially launched in Cameroon in 2009 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Cameroon in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, 78 Cameroonian students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.

The YES program is administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of State by a consortium of non-profit organizations led by American Councils for International Education. In Cameroon, iEARN-SchoolNet-Cameroon manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office.The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established in October, 2002. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, along with the U.S. exchange community, recognized the importance of youth exchange as a key component to building bridges between citizens of the United States and countries around the world, particularly those with significant Muslim populations. 

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to study for one academic year in the United States. YES 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.

The program officially launched in Cameroon in 2009 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Cameroon in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, 78 Cameroonian students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.

The YES program is administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of State by a consortium of non-profit organizations led by American Councils for International Education. In Cameroon, iEARN-SchoolNet-Cameroon manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office.

Eligibility

In keeping with the U.S. Government-sponsored initiatives, dedicated to democratic reform, the competition for the Youth Exchange and Study scholarship is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who meet the following requirements:

•  Be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 by the start of program (August 1, 2024);
•  Be enrolled in a secondary school (public or private) in grades 9 or 10 (3eme, 2nde, or Form 5) at the time of application;
•  Should not have completed more than 11 years of primary education nor have received a high school diploma by the start of the application process;
•  Have the equivalent of a B (12/20) average or better without failing grades during the past two academic years;
•  Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
• Should not have previously visited the United States;
• Be a citizen of Cameroon.

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.

​Application and Selection

There are multiple rounds to the YES application and selection process. All applicants are required to take an English proficiency exam, write a proctored essay, complete a YES program application, and participate in group and individual in-person interviews. All finalists are selected on the basis of merit.

See below for country specific application and selection guidelines.

• Applicant must provide a photocopy of their academic transcripts from the current year and the previous two years.
• A photocopy of their birth certificate.