The AFS Global STEM Academies Program 2024 combined digital and in-person learning, gathering youth from 15 countries worldwide, in which the scholars enriched their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and social innovation.
This year’s cohort from India included 11 outstanding students from across the country , selected from a competitive pool of 73 applications. Their journey through the program marked the completion of an intensive curriculum that aimed to cultivate global competence, intercultural understanding, and a commitment to community service.
The program commenced with a 12-week virtual e-learning curriculum, which focused on global competence, social impact, and sustainability. This phase included interactive workshops designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to lead social impact projects and address global challenges. Following the digital phase, participants embarked on a transformative 4-week in-person immersion in one of four host countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, or the USA. India is also one of the host countries.
Throughout the immersive experience, participants engaged in technical tours, cultural immersion, and social work, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how STEM can be leveraged to solve real-world problems. Upon completion of the program, participants were awarded the prestigious Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, reflecting their growth and readiness to take on future leadership roles in STEM and sustainability.
All the four coveted destinations offered a blend of exploration and learning, be it – Sandboarding the vast dunes in Brazil to participating in social work projects such as Projeto Amar and ReforAmar, from exploring Shanghai and diving into drone-making workshops at Jiao Tong University along with wayfaring through Ningbo and Changzhou to visiting the Zeekr Company and Changzhou-Taizhou bridge to marvel at China’s technological advancements.
Egypt offers a unique opportunity of combining sustainability and cultural immersion to provide the AFSers with exposure to activities such as climate aid projects and learning Egyptian Arabic, all while basking in the beauty of the pyramids. Performing the Bahry Folk Dance and collaborating on sustainability initiatives enriched their understanding of global issues.
Visits to the NASA Space Center and BP Helios Plaza remained the highlights for the program in the USA wherein students interacted with leading scientists and engineers, gaining exposure to space exploration and energy production. Collaborative projects with peers from 12 countries fostered creativity and critical thinking, while cultural exchange sessions deepened cross-cultural understanding.
These experiences were all made possible by the able and resourceful AFS teams at the ends of all the coveted destinations. Without them, Global STEM Academies 2024 could not have been the huge and spectacular success it was.
The completion of the Global STEM Academies Program 2024 marked a significant milestone for all participants. They are now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives necessary to contribute to a sustainable future. The program’s success is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the role of STEM in shaping a better world for all.