AFS Global STEM Academies Program

The AFS Global STEM Academies combine digital and in-person learning, gathering youth from more than 15 countries worldwide, in which scholars enrich their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and social innovation.

The Academies begin with a 12-week virtual e-learning curriculum (from home), engaging in global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability-focused workshops, with content co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. The virtual portion of the program culminates with student-led social impact projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including the topics of climate change and the energy transition.

After completing the virtual curriculum, Academy scholars travel on a 4-week immersive experience to one of the five Academy destinations: Brazil, China, Egypt, India, or the USA. Academy programming focuses on critical STEM skills and intercultural understanding for global sustainability, as well as local cultural immersion. Scholars participate in community service and have the opportunity to visit local innovative, sustainability-focused operations to see first-hand how companies and organizations are using STEM skills in practice to address industry and societal challenges, particularly around sustainability.

Program scholars earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. bp, a global energy company, provides funding that supports these scholarships.

What’s Included in your experience?

• Orientations during your time abroad
• Cultural Tours
• Field Trips
• AFS Worldwide Presence
• Intercultural Learning & Emotional Support
• Housing
• Meals
• Airfare
• Airport Pick-up
• Domestic Transport
• Medical Insurance
• 24/7 Emergency Support
• Continuous Support
• Assistance with Application Process
• Visa Application Assistance

Where will you go?

• Brazil (15 JUNE – 12 JULY, 2024)
  • Explore innovations in renewable energy in the coastal city of Natal, Brazil. In Natal, on Brazil’s northeast Atlantic coast, scholars will meet with professors and learn about their research at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, while taking field trips to the International Institute of Physics, the Brain Institute, and the Digital Metropolis Institute. Learn about the importance of biofuels and alternative energy production and meet with STEM professionals and mentors. This immersive Academy includes a homestay weekend with a Brazilian family (depending on Covid-19 protocol at the time of hosting) and activities with Brazilian high schoolers, as well as Portuguese language classes and workshops to build intercultural leadership and global citizenship skills.
• China (5 JULY – 1 AUGUST, 2024)
  • Learn about the future of mobility, innovation, and sustainable energy in China. Scholars will be hosted at one of China’s top STEM schools in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China’s Sichuan province, renowned for its rich history, tradition, and innovation. Meet with bp and Volvo China leadership and learn about innovations in manufacturing, marketing, aviation fuel, retailing, and chemical technology. Visit Volvo Cars’ first manufacturing plant in China, as well as the Volvo Innovation Hub – which is partnering with bp China to advance energy solutions and sustainable development. Embark on immersive field trips including the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – a conservation center where scholars will learn about endangered giant pandas in their natural habitat.
• Egypt (18 JULY – 16 AUGUST, 2024)
  • In the “cradle of civilization”, explore ancient engineering wonders such as the Great Pyramids, as well as the unique environmental sustainability practices in the modern city of Cairo. Scholars will engage in several STEM (or rather STREAM – adding Art & Robotics) focused fields: robotics to solve the climate change problems in green houses and activities related to climate change through hands-on STEM activities, both in the field and conducted in laboratories at Zewail City of Science, Technology. They will also attend several art and Egyptian folkloric dance workshops. In addition to a homestay experience with a local Egyptian host family, scholars will have the opportunity to take Arabic language classes and volunteer alongside local youth in community service projects.
• India (Dates to be Announced)
  • Rich culture intersects with leading research and development in India. Scholars will engage in hands-on workshops on topics such as robotics and technology-driven software, complete service leadership projects, embark on field trips and meet with energy industry leaders. Connect with local professionals and learn more about global careers in the STEM and sustainability fields. Learn about India’s innovations in mobility, including lower-emission fuels, electric vehicle charging and other lower-carbon solutions, along with its demand to meet the fastest-growing fuels market in the world. With tours of iconic landmarks and extracurricular activities like music, dance, and art to enrich the Academy, scholars will develop a deeper understanding of India’s uniquely diverse culture and history.

Who can apply?

• Applicants to the 2024 AFS Global STEM Academies must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Nationality/Citizenship or Country of Legal Residence
    • Azerbaijan
    • Brazil
    • China
    • Egypt
    • Germany
    • Hungary
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Japan
    • Malaysia
    • Mexico
    • South Africa
    • Trinidad & Tobago
    • United Kingdom
    • USA
  • Global STEM Academy applicants must be 15-17.5 years old at the program start date (birth dates from September 1, 2006, through April 1, 2009).
  • Must be able to participate fully in a classroom setting and program conducted entirely in English.
  • Applicants must have the ability to travel internationally for the full four weeks to any of the Academies destinations.
  • Strong candidates demonstrate interest in sustainability, STEM, travel abroad, and curiosity to learn about and interact with different cultures.
  • Willingness to attend all five Academy destinations – Brazil, China, Egypt, India, or the USA. Applicants may list their destination preference(s), but AFS will maintain the final say in where admitted students are assigned.
  • Participants must have a valid and current passport. AFS can help guide you on how to obtain one, if needed.
  • 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!
  • 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
    • Stable internet or Wi-Fi connection
    • If internet or technology accessibility is an issue, AFS may be able to help under limited circumstances.

For more information, visit AFS-USA.