April 16, 2003

Dear School Administrator:

The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention the Partnerships for Learning Youth Exchange and Study (P4L YES) program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. The YES program provides scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. The students will live with host families, attend school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. Upon their return home the students will apply their leadership skills in ways that will benefit their societies.

The YES program is vital to expanding communication between the people of the United States and the partner countries in the interest of promoting mutual understanding and respect. After September 11, 2001, America was confronted with a harsh reality; people in the Islamic world despise American government policies and distrust America’s intentions. The war in Iraq has accentuated this distrust. As Americans we need to understand this climate, and we can do our part to bridge the gap. In doing so, we increase our nation’s security – a well-informed citizenry is better able to express its will to its elected representatives.

I urge you to support this high priority foreign policy initiative by opening your school’s doors to receiving the YES scholarship students. Ideally, your school will become a partner of the U.S. Department of State by embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm. The foreign students will enhance the teaching of social studies in your school by bringing an alternative perspective to the study world affairs and current events. At the same time, you can help instill in the participants a comprehensive understanding of American values and share with them models of leadership.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at 202-619-5302.
Sincerely,

Robert Persiko
Chief, Youth Programs Division
Office of Citizen Exchanges