The US Embassy in Dhaka has invited Bangladeshi secondary students between the ages of 15-17 years to apply for the 2022-2023 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (K-L YES) programme.

The YES programme provides an opportunity to study at an American high school, live with a host family and engage in community service projects with participants from over 35 countries.

The programme helps participants develop critical skills and build a global network and application deadline is Sunday, October 31, 2021, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.

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After completing the programme, the students will return to Bangladesh equipped with new knowledge, skills, and a global network they developed in the United States to create positive change in their local communities.

Over the last 17 years, 392 Bangladeshi students have participated in this youth exchange programme.

Bangladeshi YES alumni include Shomy Hasan Chowdhury, who was recently featured in the Forbes under 30 Asia list as a young social activist working to mobilize youth to increase access to clean water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene.

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After returning to Bangladesh, Shomy co-founded Awareness 360, an international youth-led organization mobilizing young leaders in 23 countries to engage in community service projects tied to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

YES students will have an opportunity to engage in various activities that advance mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and enhance their leadership skills.

They will interact with fellow participants from around the world and become members of the YES alumni community upon returning to Bangladesh.