Partnerships for Learning (P4L) is a global initiative undertaken by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State to reach a younger and more diverse audience than has historically been the case. P4L seeks to engage the successor generation in a dialogue for greater understanding through expanded exchange programs. It builds on the values we hold in common with Muslim societies and seeks to strengthen voices of moderation and reinforce the U.S. commitment to education and opportunity.

YES is a program sponsored by ECA to provide scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. The program is vital to expanding communication between the people of the United States and the partner countries in the interest of promoting mutual understanding and respect. The students will live with host families, attend school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. Upon their return the students will apply their leadership skills at home. While students from many countries in the Mideast, Africa and Asia are involved, World Link will focus only on students from Afghanistan.

GOALS

1. The program will serve to expand communication between the people of the United States and the partner countries in the interest of promoting mutual understanding and respect.
2. The program will serve to promote international security and peace by educating American and foreign participants about each other, thereby alleviating misunderstanding and making for a better informed citizenry able to deal more effectively with international issues.
3. YES students will acquire an understanding of American values, the qualities of leadership, and important elements of a civil society. This will include concepts such as civic responsibility/ volunteerism, the idea that citizens can and do act on their own to deal with societal problems, and an awareness of and respect for the rule of law.
4. YES students will interact with Americans and generate enduring ties.
5. YES students will work together when they return home to share what they have learned and make a difference in their home communities.

How To Get Involved with Afghanistan and the YES Program:

World Link is searching for host families that are interested in hosting a student from Afghanistan for a school year. Students from Afghanistan, ages 15-16, are carefully interviewed, screened and selected to fit the goals of the YES Program. Students receive a one-month orientation program in Kyrgyzstan prior to their arrival in the USA in August.

The program provides support for YES students in the following ways:

• Provides health and accident insurance coverage;
• Provides $300 in clothing allowance for each student;
• Provides $300 for enhancement activities for each student;
• Provides $300 in incidental reimbursements to cover school fees and supplies, and;
• Provides each student directly with a stipend of $125 per month for their personal needs.

Click here to find out more about the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET).