YES Program
In 2019, States' 4-H for the first time participated in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). States' 4-H welcomed 20 YES students for the 2019-2020 school year. These students received prestigious scholarships from the U.S. Department of State so that they could study in the U.S. The YES Program was created by Congress in 2002 as a response to 9/11. The program seeks to engage with young leaders from countries that have large Muslim populations. Students live with host families, attend high schools, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the 2020-2021 program year was cancelled.

FLEX Program
States' 4-H will once again be hosting FLEX students during the 2021-2022 school year!
The FLEX program was created from former Senator Bill Bradley's conviction that the best way to ensure long-lasting peace and understanding between the United States and the countries of Eurasia is to enable young people from these countries to learn firsthand about the U.S. and Americans. The primary goal of FLEX is improving mutual understanding between our countries by allowing young citizens of Eurasia to have the opportunity to observe and experience American life.

FLEX and YES students come from many different countries: