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 Nigeria in 2003 in hopes to expand communication between the people of the United States and Nigeria in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 402 Nigerian students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.
Eligibility Criteria
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 15-18 by the start of program (August 15, 2025);
- Must be enrolled in a secondary school in Adamawa, Bauchi, Katsina, or Taraba states;
- Must have completed JS3 class by August 2025;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
- Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
- Be a resident and citizen of Nigeria.
Notice on Secondary School Completion
Applicants who have completed or graduated from any secondary school before the start of the 2025-26 program year are not eligible for a YES scholarship. This applies to all program countries.
Application Process
For the 2025-2026 program year, the pre-selection exam will take place in November and we will be recruiting finalists and alternates in Gombe, Katsina, Kebbi, and Taraba states. Students who are interested in taking the pre-selection exam and who meet the eligibility requirements listed above should email IRIS Country Director, Dr. Saidu Yakubu at for specific dates and testing sites.
