Quick Answer: The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is a fully funded U.S. Department of State scholarship that sends Filipino high school students to live with an American host family and attend a U.S. high school for about 10 months. It is merit-based, open to both public and private school students, and administered in the Philippines by AFS Philippines.
Introduction
Imagine spending a full school year in the United States — living with an American host family, attending a U.S. high school, and representing the Philippines as a cultural ambassador — without your family paying for the program. That is exactly what the yes program philippines offers qualified Filipino teenagers.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It was created to build understanding between the U.S. and countries with significant Muslim populations, and the Philippines has been part of it since 2004, sending hundreds of students over the years. The program is also notable for welcoming students with disabilities.
This guide explains who can apply, what is covered, how competitive it is, and how to apply through AFS Philippines. If you are exploring exchange more broadly, pair this with our overview of student exchange programs for Filipinos. Details are approximate 2026 estimates — always verify current eligibility and deadlines on the official program website before applying.
What YES Covers
YES is one of the few high school exchange options that is genuinely fully funded. The scholarship typically covers:
- Round-trip international airfare to and from the United States
- Host family placement — you live with a vetted American family
- High school enrollment for the academic year
- A monthly stipend / allowance for personal expenses
- Orientations, support, and program activities before, during, and after the exchange
Because it is funded, families that could never afford a year abroad can still send a deserving student. That is what makes YES so competitive.
Eligibility at a Glance
| Requirement | Typical Criteria (verify on official site) |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines |
| Age | Generally around 15–17 years old at program start (specific birthdate window each cycle) |
| Grade level | Typically enrolled in around grades 8–11 at the time of application |
| School type | Open to both public and private school students |
| Academic standing | Good academic record; merit-based selection |
| English | Able to study and communicate in English |
| Selection | Highly competitive, merit-based |
| Inclusivity | Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply |
The exact age and grade windows are set by AFS Philippines each cycle and are tied to specific birthdate ranges, so confirm the current year's rules before applying.
How Competitive Is It?
Very. Because YES is fully funded and open nationwide to both public and private school students, thousands compete for a limited number of slots. Selection looks at academics, character, leadership potential, adaptability, and your readiness to be a cultural ambassador — not just grades. Students from across the Philippines, including those from public schools and modest backgrounds, are actively encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications are handled by AFS Philippines (afs.ph), the official in-country administering organization. The general flow:
- Watch for the application call. AFS Philippines and yesprograms.org announce the cycle's opening; high schools and DepEd channels often help spread the word.
- Confirm your age and grade fit the current window. These are strict and tied to specific birthdates — check the official criteria for the year.
- Prepare your pre-application. Expect personal information, academic records, and essay-style questions about yourself and your goals.
- Submit to AFS Philippines through the official channel (printed or emailed copies as instructed each cycle).
- Pass the selection stages. Shortlisted applicants typically go through tests, interviews, and further screening.
- Complete pre-departure orientation if selected, then travel to the U.S. for your exchange year.
A strong application shows genuine curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to represent the Philippines well. Treat the essays and interviews seriously — they matter as much as your report card. Our general guide on how to get a scholarship in the Philippines has tips that apply here too, and if you are also weighing college funding for later, our list of scholarships for Filipino college students is worth bookmarking.
Keep in mind that selection happens in stages over several months. After the written application come tests and interviews, then final selection and a pre-departure orientation. Each stage is a chance to show your maturity and motivation, so do not treat the first form as the only thing that counts — stay engaged and responsive throughout the entire process.
A Real Chance for Public School Students
One of the best things about YES is how genuinely open it is. You do not need to come from a private school or a wealthy family. The program actively encourages public school students and students from modest backgrounds to apply, and many Filipino YES alumni came from exactly those settings. Because the scholarship is fully funded, your family's income is not a barrier — your character, academics, and potential are what matter.
This is also why YES is so meaningful for students with disabilities, who are specifically encouraged to apply. If you have ever assumed that a year studying in America was out of reach for someone like you, YES is built to prove otherwise.
What Life on YES Is Like
YES is not a vacation. You will attend a regular American high school, take classes, join clubs or sports, do community service, and adapt to a new family and culture. There will be highs and homesick lows. Returnees consistently describe it as life-changing — improved English, lifelong friendships, independence, and a global outlook that opens doors back home.
Common Mistakes That Cost Applicants
Because YES is so competitive, small errors can knock out otherwise strong students. Watch out for these:
- Missing the age or grade window. The eligibility windows are strict and tied to specific birthdate ranges. Double-check that you fit the current cycle's exact criteria before you invest time in the application.
- Weak, generic essays. "I want to improve my English and see America" is what everyone writes. Tell a specific story about who you are, what you have overcome, and what you would share about the Philippines.
- Treating it like a vacation in the interview. Selectors look for maturity and resilience. Show that you understand the challenges of living abroad with a host family, not just the excitement.
- Leaving the application incomplete. Submit every required field and document through the official channel and well before the deadline.
What Happens After You Return
The YES experience does not end when you fly home. Returnees join a large global alumni network and are encouraged to give back through community projects, mentoring, and volunteer work. That alumni connection — plus stronger English, leadership experience, and a year of independence — becomes a real advantage when you apply to college or future scholarships.
If a U.S. high school year is not the right fit but you still want international experience, look at college-level exchange like Global UGRAD for undergraduates, or the wider range of AFS exchange programs to other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the YES Program really free?
Yes. YES is a fully funded U.S. Department of State scholarship. It typically covers round-trip airfare, host family placement, high school enrollment, a monthly stipend, and program support. Families do not pay program fees.
Who can apply for YES in the Philippines?
Filipino high school students who meet the cycle's age and grade window — generally around 15–17 years old and in roughly grades 8–11 — with a good academic record and English ability. Both public and private school students are eligible, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Who administers YES in the Philippines?
AFS Philippines (afs.ph) is the official in-country administering organization. The program itself is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, with more information at yesprograms.org.
How long is the exchange?
About 10 months — roughly one U.S. academic year — living with a host family and attending a U.S. high school.
How competitive is the YES Program?
Very competitive. Because it is fully funded and open nationwide, many students apply for limited slots. Selection is merit-based and looks at academics, character, leadership, and adaptability.
When is the application deadline?
The application window opens in cycles and is announced by AFS Philippines. Watch the official AFS Philippines and yesprograms.org channels, and prepare your documents early since deadlines and birthdate windows are strict.
Will I graduate high school faster by joining YES?
Not necessarily — YES is a cultural exchange year, and how your Philippine school credits the time abroad varies. Coordinate with your home school about your year level before and after the exchange.
Exploring your options? Whether you go abroad or stay home, start by comparing Philippine universities, courses, and tuition on SchoolFinderPH, or browse scholarships for Filipino students.
