Call for The AFS Global STEM Accelerators program 2026 is open now!!!
The Global STEM Accelerators program is an award-winning virtual exchange that tackles gender barriers in STEM and helps young women to become changemakers in their communities. Over 12 weeks, girls worldwide (ages 15-17.5) engage in a hands-on curriculum—developed with the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy (Penn CSIS)—that integrates STEM learning, social impact, and global competence. Scholars develop prototypes addressing global challenges, earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact from AFS and Penn CSIS, and join a network of global alumni.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
AFS Global STEM Accelerators are 12-week digital programs (from home), engaging in content on global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability-focused workshops, with content co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania. This program culminates with student-led social impact 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.
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1. Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. Their vision at AFS is to ensure a more peaceful, just, equitable and sustainable future. To ensure such a future, the world needs more Active Global Citizens: people whose informed, compassionate, and ethical compass drives them to lead lives and make decisions that contribute to a better world.
Through their Programs, Education initiatives, Volunteerism and Advocacy efforts, AFS helps create Active Global Citizens.
Those who have previously received a scholarship to participate in the AFS Global STEM Accelerators or AFS Global STEM Academies are not eligible to apply.
They strongly recommend against the sole use of ChatGPT or other AI tools on your application. Your essays and program communications should be in your own wordsand should not be written by someone else on your behalf.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- Advanced Certificate: Graduates earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, jointly awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy (Penn CSIS).
- STEM & Social Impact Training: A 12-week hands-on curriculum integrating STEM learning, global competence, and social impact.
- Capstone Project: Scholars design prototypes addressing real-world global challenges, applying STEM knowledge to social innovation.
- Global Networking: Access to a diverse community of peers, mentors, and experts worldwide.
- Alumni Network: Join a global network of AFS alumni, opening doors to future opportunities and collaborations.
- Leadership Development: Builds confidence, intercultural skills, and the ability to lead community initiatives.
Eligibilities
To apply for the The AFS Global STEM Accelerators program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be young women ages 15-17.5 years old at the program start date (Birth dates from 1 September, 2008, through 31 May, 2011).
- Must be able to participate fully in a classroom setting and program conducted entirely in English.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability, STEM, and interacting with different cultures.
- Talented young women from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, including underrepresented populations and students with high financial need, are encouraged to apply!
Application Process
The program is available only via scholarship award. For the application, go through the apply link.
Application Deadline: April 16, 2026 (48 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
