AFS Global STEM Changemakers Initiative

AFS Intercultural Programs is a global not-for-profit that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. Through international exchange programs, education initiatives, volunteerism and advocacy, AFS empowers people from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for making a difference. AFS Intercultural Programs leverages the power and reach of 57 National AFS Organizations working together to accelerate our local, global and collective impact and the skills needed to succeed in a global economy. www.afs.org

For 75 years, AFS has had an exceptional reputation for providing quality international programs that develop skills essential to succeed in the 21st century. Research shows that the AFS experience:

• Builds confidence, broadens perspectives, and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Includes respected intercultural education and language learning components that are valued by universities and employers
• Offers fun experiences that make learning easy and meaningful to teens
• Provides lifelong access to a global community of friends, connections, and volunteer opportunities

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 unique programs. Funding is provided by bp, and AFS delivers the program from start to end, including recruitment, admissions, student affairs, program logistics, curriculum and learning journey design, travel, and lodging.

bp identified AFS in recognition of AFS’ deep expertise in global competence education and, in association with University of Pennsylvania, social impact curricula. bp’s role is as a funder, with the curriculum fully designed and delivered by AFS in association with AFS’s partners.

bp is proud to fund the AFS Global STEM Changemaker Initiative. The company  recognizes the crucial role of STEM skills – including a broad range of STEM disciplines, such as engineering, digital, data science and more – combined with global competence in solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.

bp wants to help build global, diverse young talent prepared to develop innovative solutions to help society reach a sustainable future, and to attract more people into STEM. The programs  are also designed to empower underrepresented populations, especially young women, with pathways to STEM and sustainability education, leadership and social impact. 

The first step is to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met. Application review and scholarship selection will then be conducted by AFS on a competitive evaluation to ensure that all students are selected without preference or prejudice and solely on the quality of their application, merits, and experience. A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview, after which scholarship winners will be chosen and notified.

AFS is committed to increasing global diversity and inclusion in international education. Eligible and talented students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially young women, students with high financial need, and underrepresented populations in the STEM fields. Strong candidates will be ready to fully immerse themselves in the academic and intercultural learning experience for the duration of the program. 

Ideal scholarship candidates are students with:

• demonstrated strengths in academics, particularly for those with an interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math;
• a keen interest in sustainability, sustainable development, and climate change; 
• a keen interest to learn about and engage with other cultures.

The AFS recruitment approach actively seeks out candidates with high financial need and from underrepresented populations in STEM fields. AFS has partnered with community-based organizations, foundations, corporations, and schools to serve underrepresented communities and recruit directly through teachers in underserved communities and schools globally. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information about the specific eligibility criteria for each program, please click on your program of interest.

Choose an AFS Global STEM program and click on the “Apply Now” button to learn more about the process for that program. Please note: it is important that each student completes their own application and not the parent or guardian.

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.

AFS Global STEM Changemaker programs provide an exceptional opportunity to build critical intercultural skills and drive sustainability and STEM training that will help students thrive in a global economy. Each program brings together diverse groups of students for an exciting and enriching experience.

Your AFS experience will help you mature and develop skills that you will use throughout your lifetime, including:

• Discovering new ways to view and solve problems
• Learning to respect and value differences
• Becoming more self-confident and flexible as you learn how to turn challenging situations into valuable opportunities for personal growth
• Exploring and discovering new cultures
• Learning to step outside of your comfort zone
• Sharing everyday life and cultural traditions with your cohort of peers and mentors
• Practicing being a leader and collaborating across differences
• Becoming part of a lifelong AFS community of over half a million global citizens

After program completion, scholars will be invited to an alumni community which will offer diverse mentoring opportunities, skills development sessions, panel discussions and other development opportunities. 

• 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 wifi connection*

*If hardware or internet accessibility is an issue, AFS may be able to help.