Fully Funded Virtual Exchange Program in STEM and Sustainability 2026
Applicant criteria
- 15 - 20
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
AFS announces the Global STEM Changemakers 2026 program, a fully funded virtual exchange program that gives young people around the world the opportunity to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), sustainability, global competence, and social impact.
The program runs online for 12 weeks and brings together participants from diverse backgrounds to learn and collaborate on important global issues such as climate change, energy transition, sustainable development, and social innovation.
The program content was developed in collaboration with the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania. The program concludes with social impact project presentations, where participants present solutions to real-world challenges.
Benefits
- Full scholarship to participate in the program.
- The program is fully online and does not require travel.
- Opportunity to participate in an international virtual exchange experience.
- Receive an Advanced Certificate in Global Competence for Social Impact from AFS and the University of Pennsylvania.
- Develop skills in STEM, sustainability, design thinking, and social innovation.
- Gain global skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, intercultural communication, and building bridges between communities.
- Work on a social impact project that addresses a real global challenge.
- Join the Global STEM alumni platform for ongoing learning, networking, and mentorship opportunities.
- Possibility to qualify for participation in the AFS Youth Assembly, a global gathering for young people interested in the Sustainable Development Goals.
- The program encourages the participation of youth from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, students with high financial need, and underrepresented groups.
Responsibilities and Activities
- Participate in a 12-week virtual program.
- Attend live interactive sessions via Zoom with participants from different countries.
- Complete self-paced online learning modules, including activities, games, and interactive quizzes.
- Learn about sustainability, social innovation, and global competence.
- Collaborate with young people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Design a personal social impact project.
- Prepare a digital presentation for the final project and present it at the end of the program.
- Commit to weekly participation in the program activities.
Eligibility criteria
- The applicant must be between 15 and 20 years old at the start of the program.
- The applicant’s date of birth must be between December 1, 2005 and September 1, 2011.
- The applicant must be able to participate in a fully online program in English.
- The applicant must have an interest in STEM, sustainability, and social impact.
- The applicant must be willing to interact with young people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- The applicant must have access to a digital device, such as a computer or smartphone, to participate in the program.
- The applicant must have a camera and microphone to participate in live dialogue sessions.
- The applicant must have a stable internet connection.
- Applicants who previously received a scholarship for the AFS Global STEM Accelerators, AFS Global STEM Academies, or AFS Global STEM Changemakers: Australia – New Zealand programs are not eligible to apply again.
Required Documents
- Complete the online application form.
- A recommendation letter from a teacher, mentor, advisor, or someone who can describe the applicant’s academic background and extracurricular activities.
- Parental consent for applicants who are minors.
- Academic information or records, according to the requirements of the application portal.
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