(Photo from DepEd Philippines Facebook page)On its Facebook page, DepEd posted announcements for scholarships that Filipino learners can apply for such as the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program and the “Iskolar ni Juan.”
DepEd said that the YES Program in the Philippines is now accepting applications for program cycle 2023-2024.
The YES program is a “cultural exchange program” funded by the United States (US) Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
This, DepEd said, provides “scholarships for high school students to spend up to one academic year” in the US.
Established in October 2002, YES Program recognizes the importance of youth exchange as a “key component” to building bridges between citizens of the US and countries around the world —- particularly those with significant Muslim populations.
In the Philippines, the program was officially launched in 2004 to promote mutual understanding and respect by expanding communication between the people of the two countries.
To date, over 558 Filipino students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.
The YES Program supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation.
The U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) works with a separate organization to provide students with disabilities with leadership-building workshops and appropriate information and support as needed to enhance their experience in the United States.
For the YES Program cycle 2023-2024, the deadline for application is on Oct.7, 2022.
The program duration will be for 10 months starting August 2023 to June 2024.
Successful applicants will be placed in American high schools and host families.
DepEd said that YES alumni all over the Philippines will also conduct live information sessions about the program through announcements on Facebook.
Another type of scholarship is made available by Gokongwei Brothers Foundation and Universal Robina Corporation for those eyeing to complete a technical-vocational (tech-voc) course with an employment opportunity.
The “Iskolar ni Juan” gives free tech-voc education and training in Mechatronics Servicing or Instrumentation & Control Servicing for one year.
Successful applicants and completers of the course will have an employment opportunity as a Machine Operator or Maintenance Machine Technician in Universal Robina Corporation.
