YES Programs

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Gaza


High school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. 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 Gaza Strip in 2003 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Palestine in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 206 Gazan 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 Palestine, Amideast manages the YES program in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Office.

*Program has been paused for 2024-2025, and recruitment is not taking place for 2025-2026.