Helping to bridge cultures around the world.

YES students are ages 15-17 and are from countries with significant Muslim populations and participate in an academic year program that is funded by Congress and administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The objectives of the YES program are to enable the students to:
 • Gain an understanding of important elements of a civil society, including the rule of law, volunteerism, community service, and the involvement of citizens in solving societal problems
 • Acquire the values and skills that will enable them to serve as agents for the transformation of their home countries
 • Interact with Americans and form lasting ties
 • Develop an appreciation for American culture
 • Teach Americans about the cultures of their home countries.