AFS Global STEM Academies 2025 (Scholarship available)

Empowering Global STEM Leaders: AFS Global STEM Academies 2025
The AFS Global STEM Academies 2025 is now accepting applications. This innovative program combines digital and in-person learning, bringing together young scholars from 15 countries worldwide. Through interactive, hands-on curriculum, participants will enrich their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills while developing critical global competencies.

The 12-week virtual e-learning curriculum kicks off the program, engaging scholars in global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability-focused workshops. This content is co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. The virtual portion culminates in student-led social impact projects and presentations, offering potential solutions to real-world challenges with an emphasis on sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the virtual curriculum, scholars embark on a 4-week immersive experience in one of four Academy destinations: Brazil, China, Egypt, or India. The program focuses on critical STEM skills, intercultural understanding, and local cultural immersion. Participants engage in community service, visit innovative sustainability-focused operations, and witness firsthand how companies utilize STEM skills to address industry and societal challenges, particularly around sustainability.

Benefits

All Global STEM Academy admissions are awarded by scholarship only, and cover the following costs:

• Full tuition to your twelve-week digital program and four-week study abroad program.
• AFS-arranged travel, including international economy airfare (and any associated domestic travel) from the student’s hometown to the host country, including airport pick-up. Your scholarship also covers the cost of offsetting your carbon emissions during travel (this is a sustainability program after all!)
• AFS-provided medical insurance.
• Housing: Student housing is provided and carefully arranged by AFS Intercultural Programs depending on the country and program (AFS students may live with a host family, in dormitories, or a combination of both).
• Meals: Some meals will be with host families; some will be provided as a group by AFS; applicants should indicate any dietary restrictions or preferences in their application.
• 24/7 emergency support.
• Field trips to activities and sites during your Academy.
• Assistance with the program and visa application processes.
• Certificate of participation upon satisfactory program completion.

Eligibility

• Be a national or citizen of one of the following countries: Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom and USA.
• Applicant must be 15-17.5 years old at the program start date.
• 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.
• 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, and India. Although applicants can rank their destination preference, AFS will select all scholarship winners’ destinations.
• Have a computer, smartphone or other digital device to access the virtual program content.
• An integrated webcam and microphone for participation in online dialogue sessions.
• Have stable internet or Wi-Fi connection.
• 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!

Click here to apply.