NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Available to young
women (ages 15-17.5) around the world, applications are now open
for the AFS Global STEM Accelerators: a full-scholarship virtual
exchange program in sustainability, STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Math), and positive social impact.
The program is run by AFS Intercultural Programs, a global
non-profit intercultural exchange network with more than 75 years'
experience in international education. AFS received Diversity
Abroad's 2022 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion in
International Education (EDIIE) Award for the Accelerators'
successful inauguration. 20% of the scholarships will be allocated
specifically for refugees and girls from displaced populations,
whether from war, violence, or natural disaster.
The Accelerators program 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 program also provides internet and technical support for users
in need.
Previous scholarship awardees reflect the diversity the program
was designed to embrace: 20% were refugees or displaced persons;
82% identified as People of Color; 51% were from low-income
households; and 10% are set to be the first in their families to
graduate from high school.
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," says Harira, a
participant from Afghanistan.
"Participating in this program is my first step toward achieving
my goal to explore the world and become influential in improving
sustainable societies."
The Accelerators program 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," says Kerry Dryburgh, EVP people & culture, 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 May 13.
Learn more & apply:
https://afs.org/global-stem/accelerators.
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