AFS 2024 Scholarship Program for Students Worldwide

Published: 13 May 2024

Women around the world currently make up more than half of the college-educated workforce. However, STEM fields are made up of only 28% women. Women and girls who desire to learn more about STEM often face a challenging set of circumstances in fields that are traditionally dominated by men. (See the American Association of University Women for more details). That’s why we have created a program dedicated to the future of women in STEM fields. By providing an opportunity for girls from around the world to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we can start to change this trend and open up more possibilities for the perspectives of women in the greater goal of reaching a sustainable future.

Scholarship winners will participate in 12 week all-virtual programs focusing on emerging and critical STEM skills and fields, global competence education, and social impact (co-developed with the University of Pennsylvania). Scholars will enrich their STEM knowledge and skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and the ability to build bridges across cultures. 

The program culminates with team projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on climate change and the energy transition. Scholars who complete the program 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.

AFS Global STEM Accelerators

Application Deadline	July 1, 2024
Funding Type	Partially Funded
Type	College School
Sponsor	AFS Intercultural Programs
Gender	Women

Benefits of AFS Global STEM Accelerators

Scholars who complete the program earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.

Requirements for AFS Global STEM Accelerators

• Open to young women from anywhere in the world;
• 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;
• 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;
• Stable internet or wifi connection;
• Talented young women from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly underrepresented populations, and students with high financial need, are strongly encouraged to apply

Selection Process

Timeline

• February 1: Application for Cohort 1 opens
• March 17: Application deadline for Cohort 1
• April 5: Admissions decisions for Cohort 1 announced via email
• May 1: Application for Cohort 2 opens
• May 4 – Aug 4: Cohort 1 virtual exchange
• Jul 1: Application deadline for Cohort 2
• Jul 24: Admissions decisions for Cohort 2 announced via email
• Aug 24 – Nov 24: Cohort 2 virtual exchange

Application Deadline

July 1, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to AFS Intercultural Programs on application.afs.org to apply