BP STEM Academies

Full Scholarships for the Next Generation of STEM

Leaders and Changemakers

Applications are now open for the AFS Global STEM Academies, a full scholarship program for teens with a keen interest in sustainability and a desire to collaborate on solving some of today’s biggest global challenges.

Global STEM scholars enrich their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills through an interactive, hands-on

curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and social innovation.

The program is run by AFS Intercultural Programs, a global not-for-profit educational exchange organization, and the scholarships are sponsored by bp, a global integrated energy company. The program is designed to equip the next generation of STEM leaders and changemakers with access to the education, skills, and knowledge needed to become active global citizens and contribute towards a more sustainable future. Students ages 15-17.5, spanning 16 countries worldwide, are welcome to apply.

Applications are due January 15, 2025.

What are the AFS Global STEM Academies?

The Academies are full-scholarship, 16-week study abroad programs for students interested in STEM and sustainability. All scholars begin with a 12-week virtual curriculum (online) in sustainability and social innovation, co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. Then, scholars travel for four weeks to one of four Academy destinations in 2025: Brazil, China, Egypt, or India. Upon successful completion, scholars earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy; Scholars are also invited to join the AFS global alumni community, with additional benefits including networking, mentorship, and future opportunities.

Why apply for this program?

The AFS Global STEM Academies provide a unique way for students to:

Gain key global competencies through interactive, intercultural experiences, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in global organizations.
Develop critical STEM skills and explore social impact through real-life case studies, innovations, and careers, including opportunities to meet STEM industry leaders.
Earn a certificate from AFS & the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy to reflect new skills in STEM and social impact.

Learn more and apply now: afs.org/global-stem/academies

Why STEM?

If you are dreaming about becoming a game developer, coder, engineer, or future innovator, a STEM-focused programme is a great opportunity! Get the critical skills you need, while engaging with people from around the world and exploring a new and exciting culture.

Science

experiments creating extraordinary discoveries

Technology

cutting-edge designs we can’t live without

Engineering

brightest ideas that set the world in motion

Mathematics

in Einstein’s words, the poetry of logical ideas

Becoming a global citizen to make an impact in the world

“I wish to find my true self through this programme and as a young, proud, BP scholar from a rural area, I would like to go back home with something concrete and change their lives as BP and AFS have changed my life.” — Snegugu, BP/AFS scholar from South Africa to USA

Highlights

Join young people from Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Mexico, South Africa, the USA, and elsewhere, in an active and hands on exploration of STEM subjects and new countries. Learn about the diversity of energy in Brazil, be surprised by the technological sophistication of Egypt, and see how STEM shapes cities in the USA. Get ready for mornings full of fun learning, and afternoons full of getting out and about.

: Brazil: June 16 – July 14

: Egypt: June 21 – July 19

: USA: July 1 – July 28

A sample day in the STEM Academy

08.30h – Good Morning!
09:00h – Breakfast
09:30h – Sustainable Energy Lab
14:15h – Lunch
16:00h – Cultural Activities: City Tour
18:00h – Intercultural Orientation
21:00h – Dinner
22:00h – Evening Activities, Night Games, Free Time
23:00h – Good Night!

Do you have any questions about this programme? Check out this space for answers!

Who is funding this scholarship?

BP and AFS have partnered to develop the BP Global STEM Academies and BP has
provided funding for 100 full scholarships. Why? Global competencies and STEM
education is critical for student success in today’s global economy. The goal is to
provide this study abroad opportunity to students from diverse backgrounds and in
need of financial support.

What is BP?

BP is a global energy company with wide reach across the world’s energy system. The energy we produce serves to power economic growth and lift people out of poverty. In the future, the way heat, light and mobility are delivered will change. We aim to anchor our business in these changing patterns of demand, rather than in the quest for supply. We have a real contribution to make the world’s ambition of a low carbon future. We have operations in Europe, North and South America, Australasia, Asia and Africa, and employ around 75,000 people.

What kind of candidates are you looking for?

AFS and BP share a commitment to diversity and encourage students from any background to apply.

This scholarship is ideal for students who have strong academic records, a desire to study abroad, and a willingness to participate in an academic setting. Strong candidates will be ready to fully immerse themselves in the intercultural learning experience for the duration of the programme.

Students with demonstrated strengths in academics, but particularly an interest in maths, science, technology and other fields important to the energy industry will be a focus of the programme.

Do I get to pick my destination or is a host country selected for me?

Students will be studying in Brazil, Egypt and the USA – countries with significant BP operations. While a student’s preference is considered, students must be flexible as AFS works to find the best fit for each student.

AFS reserves the right to choose the final country destination and does not guarantee you will be offered a scholarship to one of the country preferences you list on your AFS application.

What is included in the scholarship?

What is not included in the scholarship?

How do I apply?

Who will I live with while I am abroad?

By experiencing STEM subjects in a different culture, AFS and BP are preparing the workforce of the future

“Thanks to BP and AFS, I discovered that life has no boundaries. Next year, I will apply to study at a college in the US, which is something that someone who was born in the same conditions as me would never be able to dream nor achieve, if this life changing AFS experience hadn’t occurred.” – Gustavo, BP/AFS scholar from Brazil to USA

BP/AFS Scholarship