Around 360 STEM scholarships are being offered to young women (aged between 15 and 17.5) around the world to accelerate sustainability education and create a positive social impact to coincide with International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11th of February this year.
The virtual exchange programme is run by AFS Intercultural Programmes a global non-profit intercultural exchange network with more than 75 years’ experience in international education. Around 20% of the scholarships will be allocated specifically for refugees and girls from displaced populations, whether from war, violence, or natural disaster.
The Accelerators programme is part of a broader five-year scholarship initiative aimed at reaching 5,000 young people worldwide, with a focus on supporting women. The initiative is funded by bp, and the curricula is co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. AFS conducts outreach with support from SPARK, an international NGO that creates pathways for young people, particularly women and refugees, in fragile communities worldwide. The programme also provides internet and technical support for users in need.
Previous scholarship awardees reflect the diversity the programme. Around 20% were refugees or displaced persons; 82% identified as People of Colour; 51% were from low-income households; and 10% are set to be the first in their families to graduate from high school.
CREATING AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE
AFS scholars’ voices echo the desire for a brighter and more inclusive future: “I am from a traditional society where girls don’t even have the right to go to school,” said Harira, a participant from Afghanistan. “Participating in this programme is my first step toward achieving my goal to explore the world and become influential in improving sustainable societies.”
The Accelerators programme culminates with scholars developing social impact capstone projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability. Participants earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania.
“It is always exciting to see strong interest from brilliant young women around the world,” said Kerry Dryburgh, EVP People and Culture at bp. “With their passion to make a difference and the skills they will learn, they are future changemakers, leaders and innovators.” Applications are open until March 15, 2023, and the first cohort begins on 13 May. Click here to learn more about the programme and apply.
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