The AFS Global STEM Innovators is a suite of full-scholarship, 5-week domestic exchange programs for teens interested in exploring STEM, sustainability, and intercultural skills. 

Young people are hungry for opportunities to change the world, but where can they start? The latest PISA Global Competence Assessment results, a global benchmark in secondary education, demonstrate that the majority of young people believe their behavior impacts the world, yet, are hesitant to tackle challenges in their communities.

With this in mind, AFS developed the Global STEM Innovators to provide teens (age 14-16) with opportunities to collaborate with diverse peers and develop skills necessary to advance a sustainable future. Through a hybrid, hands-on virtual curriculum (4 weeks) and a weeklong in-person workshop, participants will broaden their understanding of the importance of STEM and sustainability, while enhancing their intercultural awareness.

The 2023 programs will take place in Australia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Each workshop will focus on STEM, global competence, and sustainability, with an emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and innovations in sustainability in each respective market. 

The program is only available via scholarship award. Scholarship funding is provided by bp, a global integrated energy company. Participants who excel in these workshops may also be eligible to apply for Global STEM Accelerator or Global STEM Academy scholarships in future cohorts.

2023 Innovators Programs: Apply Now!

Choose your country below. All programs include a hands-on, 4-week virtual exchange curriculum with diverse peers from your country, followed by a weeklong in-person workshop with social impact projects, cultural field trips, and STEM site visits focused on sustainability. Don't miss out!
Perth, Australia

Australia

23 August – 29 September, 2023

  • Virtual Exchange: 23 August – 20 September, 2023 (online)
  • Workshop: 25-29 September, 2023 hosted in Perth
  • For youth from Australia (ages 14-16)
  • AUS applications are now closed
london

United Kingdom

1 July – 20 August, 2023

  • Virtual Exchange: 1 July – 7 August, 2023 (online)
  • Workshop: 13-20 August, 2023 hosted in Monmouth, Wales
  • For youth from the UK (ages 14-16)
  • UK applications are now closed
jakarta Medium

Indonesia

11 October – 18 November, 2023

  • Virtual Exchange: 11 October – 12 November, 2023
  • Workshop: 13 – 18 November, hosted in Jakarta
  • For youth from Indonesia (ages 14-16)
  • 75 scholarships available!
  • Applications Open 
Apply Now

Who can apply?

The program is available only via scholarship award.

For more information about the application and selection process please see the FAQ below.

Applicants to the 2023 Global STEM Innovators must meet all of the following criteria:

The Innovators are designed to create local impact. Applicants must reside in one of the three following areas:

  • Australia 
  • United Kingdom
  • Indonesia

Frequently Asked Questions

The Global STEM Innovators is a 5-week virtual program, culminating in in-person workshops running in Australia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. See the Workshops section for the specific dates of each program and workshop, as they differ by country.