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Equipping young people with tools to build a sustainable future

Empowering young people from diverse backgrounds across the globe is central to addressing global challenges like climate change. The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Initiative is a unique opportunity for young scholars to develop a greater and more personal understanding of the importance of STEM skills and global competence in helping to advance a sustainable future, while exploring real-world examples of sustainability in their communities and the world. The programs are designed to empower underrepresented populations, especially young women, with pathways to STEM and sustainability education, leadership and social impact. 

AFS Global STEM Changemaker programs offer immersive learning experiences designed and facilitated by AFS experts in intercultural education, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy—Center for Social Impact Strategy. The collective impact intent is to equip diverse young people with critical technical competencies, like digital skills, design thinking, data literacy, and STEM awareness, paired with global competencies, such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and teamwork, to help scholars become changemakers in their communities and work towards a sustainable future.

bp, a global energy company, will provide funding that it is anticipated to support up to 5,000 scholarships over 5-years across a portfolio of these three unique programs.

Four ways to join us!

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Global STEM Academies

A 16-week program that starts with a  STEM & social impact curriculum (12 weeks online), followed by a 4-week immersive travel experience in Brazil, Egypt, India, the USA, China, or Europe. The program focuses on the energy transition, sustainability, global skills, and social impact, for students ages 15-17.5, from more than 18 countries worldwide.

Academies applications closed on January 15, 2023.

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Global STEM Accelerators

A 12-week interactive online exchange program for girls around the world, ages 15 -17.5, with a focus on sustainability and social innovation, empowering young women to become changemakers in their communities. Participants learn how to create positive social impact, earn a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania, and join the global AFS alumni community.

Admissions decisions for Cohort 1 will be announced on April 12, 2023. Applications for Cohort 2 will open on May 15, 2023.

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Global STEM Educators

A 6-week, full-scholarship, virtual exchange program for in-service Educators worldwide (ages 18+) teaching at the secondary level (working with students ages 13-18). This online, interactive certificate program is designed for Educators to build the skills needed to become globally competent leaders and foster global competence in their school communities and beyond.

Educator applications will launch on March 27, 2023.

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Global STEM Innovators

5-week programs for young leaders, ages 14 -16, that commence with an online curriculum on global competence skills and culminate in in-person workshops focused on sustainable development and local impact. The 2023 workshops will take place in Australia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom.

Innovators applications will open in 2023.

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Why should I apply?

Through interactive, intercultural experiences, and by completing team projects supported by mentors, you will learn more about the skills necessary to thrive at global companies and organizations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Initiative is a suite of immersive learning programs to equip diverse young people with critical technical competencies needed, including digital skills, design thinking, data science, and wider STEM awareness, paired with global competence, including critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and teamwork, to help scholars understand and be prepared to help the world transition to a sustainable future. The programs are designed to empower underrepresented populations, especially young women, with pathways to STEM education, leadership, and social impact.