Grant Programs

Grant Programs

YES AND FLEX PROGRAMS

BFF is designated to administer the YES and FLEX Grant programs. Both programs are administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of State by a consortium of nonprofit organizations. BFF is a proud sub-grantee of American Councils.

Hosting a YES or FLEX exchange student is a special experience!

By choosing to host a YES or FLEX student, you are truly offering yourself, your family, your community, and these students the opportunity to build bridges of understanding that can and do change the world as we know it. Recruited from the best of the best, YES and FLEX students go through an extremely rigorous selection process in their home countries to be awarded this very prestigious scholarship.

About the FLEX Program

The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) was established in 1992 shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union. The program provides a scholarship opportunity for students to gain leadership experience, learn about American society, and foster mutual understanding across cultures.

FLEX students are from the following countries (may vary annually): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.

About the YES Program

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) was established in October 2002, in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The program awards scholarships to high school students from countries with a significant Muslim population.

YES students come from more than 40 countries.

Application Information for Student Participants

Students interested in applying should do so through American Councils, as BFF only serves as a placement organization. Host families wishing to host a YES or FLEX student should apply to do so through BFF.

Here are just a few reasons why you should host a

FLEX or YES Student

  • FLEX and YES students are eager to learn more about American values and ideals.
  • FLEX and YES students are required to participate in volunteer activities in the host community and activities that teach civic responsibility.
  • FLEX and YES students are here to act as ambassadors and to put an end to stereotypes about their home countries and cultures.
Yes! I want to learn more about hosting one of these great students