Indeed, the US is a land of opportunities, not only for Indian immigrants exploring pathways to lawful permanent residency but also Indian students nurturing the American Dream. Once again, the States has opened doors to 30 meritorious and deserving students from India, regardless of their socio-economic background. Among them is Deepali Kannoujia, a 10th grader from rural India, whose academic dreams are flying to America on the wings of a US government scholarship.
16-year-old Deepali, the daughter of a washerwoman, has been selected for the US State Department’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. YES, one of the prestigious scholarship programs, is a coveted opportunity for needy and meritorious students from developing countries to spend an academic year in the USA. Deepali’s journey from a marginal community in Uttar Pradesh to the United States has been making headlines worldwide as a story of inspiration, resilience, and perseverance.
Born into a family that survives on such humble means as washing clothes, Deepali has grown up with dreams not privileges. She is the youngest of four siblings. As the family income from traditional laundry goes into securing two meals a day for 6-7 family members, Deepali would shudder at the thought of not reaching her academic goals, primarily because of very little financial support from home. The situation became topsy-turvy when a chronic health condition made her father bedridden, leaving her mother all alone to manage household expenses.
Currently, Deepali is busy learning the etiquette of flying and packing her bags as her first-ever international flight to USA from New Delhi is scheduled on August 19, 2024. Prerna Girls School, a nonprofit institution in Lucknow for girls from low-income families, has been a stepping stone in Deepali Kannoujia’s journey from a humble background to international recognition, and from India to USA. The school run by the Study Hall Educational Foundation has supported Deepali’s academic pursuits from the very beginning.
On seeing her ardent zeal for studies and outstanding academic results in the face of adversities, the school encouraged her to apply for the US State Department’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. Of course, she had to fulfil certain eligibility criteria (elaborated below) for the scholarship.
“My mother is my biggest motivation. I have seen her work so hard for the family every day, which she continues to do till today. She can barely read and write, but she always taught me to value education and focus on my studies,” Deepali told a media publication.
What is Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program USA?
Integrated to the US foreign policy, the program is out and out a merit-based scholarship. It helps develop sustained connections between the Americans and talented students from developing nations, thereby creating space for the youth leadership growth and cross-cultural inclusivity in a civil society. The students selected for the YES program get to stay with host families in the US while attending local high schools for a year. The program also requires them to take part in civic education and community events there.
The expenses that the YES program covers for the eligible students include round trip flight tickets, pre-departure orientation, monthly stipend, health insurance, accommodation for 10-11 months, medical examinations and immunizations.
Who can apply for Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program?
Students who fall in the age group of 15 to 18 years and study in 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade can apply for the YES program. Intermediate-level proficiency in English speaking, writing and reading is a must, alongside a strong academic performance record. A minimum of 70% in grades over the past four consecutive school years is compulsory. The applicants must be legal residents/citizens of India or other eligible countries. Their total family income must be lesser than Rs 5 lakh. Their international travel history also matters. Those who have either not visited the US ever or stayed not more than 90 days in the US in the past 5 years are preferred for the program.
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