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)”
About the program
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, 2021);
- 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.
- Applicant must provide a photocopy of their academic transcripts from the current year and the previous two years.
- A photocopy of their birth certificate.
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