Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA), the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program has been providing students of Muslim heritage opportunities to study in the U.S. since 2002. This year, after more than 6,000 alumni from 45 countries, the YES Program will celebrate their 10th anniversary on December 12, 2012 with a world-wide virtual Kickoff Party.

The Kickoff Party takes place on Twitter and Facebook and will be a day-long event starting at 12:00 AM (EST). The party will honor over 6,000 alumni from 45 countries; along with their host families, schools, and communities; partner organizations; the U.S. Department of State; and U.S. Congress-- with special honors going to the late Senator Kennedy and Senator Richard Lugar.