Deadline for applications is 15 January 2025; full scholarship program for teens in STEM, Sustainability, and Social Impact.

AFS Intercultural Programs, a global non-profit international education organization, is proud to announce applications are now open for the 2025 AFS Global STEM Academies. This full-scholarship exchange program engages youth in sustainability, social impact, and STEM to develop key skills, including problem-solving, analytical thinking, intercultural understanding, and social innovation.

Through the AFS Global STEM Academies – which combine virtual and in-person learning – youth from 16 countries enrich their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies to equip them to contribute to a more sustainable future.

“We know that young people are eager to innovate and bring positive change to their communities, and we are proud to empower young people with critical global skills and knowledge, like cross-cultural communication, empathy, and conflict resolution,” says Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS. “Educating more young people to become global citizens is crucial to create a more sustainable future.”

Details for students who are interested in applying:

• The program begins with a 12-week virtual curriculum, where Academy scholars engage with global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability-focused workshops, with content developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.
• After the virtual curriculum, scholars embark on an exciting journey with peers worldwide, creating a truly global cohort. During the four-week immersive experience in Brazil, China, Egypt, or India, students build critical STEM skills and intercultural understanding while enjoying invaluable local cultural immersion.
• Students go on field trips to remarkable places at the forefront of scientific development and leading international institutions and universities. In addition, participants dive into unique cultural experiences, including spending time with local families and students, learning new languages, and engaging in hands-on experiences such as thrilling VR simulations.
• The program culminates with student-led social impact projects that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, including the topics of climate change and the energy transition, so they are equipped to take meaningful action.

Scholars who successfully complete the program requirements earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy – a unique opportunity for high school students to earn an Ivy League University-level certificate.

Scholars are also invited to join the AFS Global STEM alumni community, which offers mentorship, networking, and future academic and professional development opportunities, including scholarships to the AFS Youth Assembly.

Program Dates

• Application Deadline: 15 January 2025
• Virtual Exchange: 8 March through 7 June 2025

• In-Person Workshop: July-August 2025 (varies by country)

Eligibility

• Legal residence in one of the following 16 countries: Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, and U.S.A.
• Birthdate: 1 September 2007 through 1 April 2010.
• Ability to participate fully, both online and in a classroom setting, in a program conducted entirely in English.
• Interest in STEM, sustainability, and global competencies, and a curiosity and willingness to interact with diverse global peers and explore new cultures.
• Ability and willingness to travel abroad, unaccompanied, to any of the four Academy destinations: Brazil, China, Egypt, or India. Although applicants can rank their destination preference, AFS will select all scholarship winners’ destinations.
• Technology: A computer, smartphone, or other digital device to access the virtual program content; an integrated webcam and microphone for participation in online dialogue sessions; and stable internet or Wi-Fi connection. AFS may be to help if internet or technology accessibility is an issue.
• Talented young people from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly young women, underrepresented populations, and students with high financial need, are strongly encouraged to apply!

AFS brings decades of expertise in impact-driven educational exchange and the power of a global network. Full scholarship funding is provided by bp, which supports AFS Global STEM programs to help build the STEM talent that the world needs to create sustainable solutions and improve the diversity of talent in STEM.

To learn more or apply, please visit https://afs.org/global-stem/academies/