As a response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the US Department of State created the Partnership for Learning Youth Exchange program (YES). This vital program extends the hand of peace by providing scholarships to high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend an academic year in the USA. As part of an American host family and an American high school, students of this groundbreaking program become true ambassadors of intercultural understanding in today’s increasingly complex world.

All YES students undergo a rigorous selection process administered by Amideast and iEARN and come from a variety of countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Gaza, Iraq, Israel (Arab Community), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Suriname, Tunisia, West Bank and Yemen. In the near future, ASSE hopes to expand its family of students to include youth from Cameroon, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Because all YES students have been awarded a US government-funded scholarship, they come with comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend to cover daily expenses. In addition, YES students have access to funds for items such as clothing and school supplies.

The YES program is designed to promote increased understanding and tolerance among cultures by exposing the youth to leadership belief systems, civil society principles and community service involvement. Program components such as volunteer and community service activities, an International Education Week presentation, a host state capital visit, and a subscription to Time Magazine are just a few of the unique experiences that YES students enjoy during their year in the United States. And, as a way to wrap up their exchange experience, YES students travel to Washington DC at the end of their academic year. Here they learn about our nation’s capital during an in-depth educational seminar. Both programs are generously funded by the US Department of State and provide specialized training to the students. Once they return home, YES students work together as alumni to share what they have learned while in the USA to make differences in their home countries.

For American families, this program offers a concrete opportunity to make the world a better place through understanding. By hosting a YES student, your family not only learns about a unique area of the world, filled with ancient traditions from your host daughter or son, but also makes a friend for life! To find out how you can become an ASSE Host Family, click here.