Applications are now open for the AFS Global STEM Changemakers 2026 Program, a prestigious fully funded virtual exchange initiative designed to empower young people from around the world with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to address today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

Organized by AFS Intercultural Programs and developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy, this unique 12-week virtual learning experience provides young changemakers with an opportunity to strengthen their STEM knowledge, develop intercultural competencies, and create innovative solutions to real-world environmental and social challenges.

The program is offering 200 full scholarships to eligible youth globally, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can participate regardless of their financial circumstances.

About the AFS Global STEM Changemakers Program

The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Program is an immersive virtual exchange experience that combines STEM education, intercultural learning, social innovation, and sustainability leadership.

As global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, energy transition, and social inequality continue to affect communities worldwide, there is an increasing need for young leaders who can think critically, collaborate across cultures, and develop innovative solutions.

This program has been specifically designed to prepare the next generation of changemakers by providing practical learning experiences that bridge science, technology, sustainability, and social impact.

Participants will engage with students from different countries and cultural backgrounds while exploring some of the world’s most urgent sustainability issues.

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the 12-week program, scholars will participate in an engaging and interactive curriculum focused on:

1. Sustainability and Global Challenges

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of:

Climate change
Environmental sustainability
Sustainable development
Energy transition
Global sustainability goals
Community resilience

2. STEM Education and Innovation

Students will strengthen their knowledge and skills in STEM-related fields through:

Interactive learning activities
Problem-solving exercises
Analytical thinking projects
Design thinking methodologies
Innovation-based learning approaches

3. Intercultural Competence

A major focus of the program is helping participants develop the ability to work effectively across cultures.

Students will learn:

Cross-cultural communication
Global citizenship
Intercultural understanding
Inclusive leadership
Collaboration in diverse teams
Bridge-building across communities

4. Social Innovation and Social Impact

Participants will explore:

Social entrepreneurship concepts
Community-centered problem solving
Human-centered design
Sustainable impact creation
Innovation for social good

Social Impact Capstone Project

One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the final capstone project.

During the program, participants will work on social impact presentations that propose innovative solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.

The capstone focuses particularly on:

Climate action
Environmental sustainability
Energy transition
Community development
Social innovation

This practical component allows students to apply what they learn while developing solutions that could positively impact communities around the world.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

Full Scholarship Coverage

Complete participation in the AFS Global STEM Changemakers Program
Access to all virtual learning sessions
Participation in collaborative projects and workshops
Engagement with global peers and mentors

Advanced Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn:

Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact

This certificate is jointly awarded by:

AFS Intercultural Programs
University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy

Global Alumni Network Access

Graduates will gain access to an exclusive AFS Global STEM alumni platform that offers:

Continued learning opportunities
Networking opportunities
Global connections
Professional development resources
Mentorship opportunities

Future Leadership Opportunities

Program alumni become eligible to participate in the AFS Youth Assembly, an international gathering that brings together young leaders working toward the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dedicated Scholarships for African Youth

As part of its commitment to expanding access and inclusion, AFS has allocated 100 scholarships specifically for young people from:

Angola
Ghana
Nigeria
Mauritania
Senegal

This targeted scholarship allocation aims to support youth leadership and innovation across Africa while ensuring greater representation in global sustainability discussions.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

AFS strongly encourages applications from students representing diverse backgrounds.

Importantly:

A minimum of 20% of scholarship places are reserved for indigenous and native community students.
Refugees are encouraged to apply.
Displaced students are encouraged to apply.
Students from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to participate.

This commitment reflects the program’s goal of ensuring diverse voices contribute to solving global challenges.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the AFS Global STEM Changemakers 2026 Program, applicants must:

Be between 15 and 20 years old at the start of the program.
Have a birthdate between 1 December 2005 and 1 September 2011.
Demonstrate interest in STEM fields.
Show enthusiasm for sustainability and social impact.
Be willing to engage in intercultural learning experiences.
Participate actively throughout the virtual exchange program.

Program Timeline

Applicants should take note of the following important dates:

Application Opens

2 June 2026

Application Deadline

2 August 2026

Scholarship Decision Announcement

14 August 2026

Program Duration

31 August 2026 – 22 November 2026

Note: The timeline is subject to change.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Program is more than a virtual exchange initiative. It is a leadership development experience that combines STEM education, sustainability, intercultural competence, and social innovation.

Participants not only gain valuable academic and professional skills but also become part of a global network of young leaders committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

For students passionate about science, technology, climate action, and social impact, this fully funded scholarship represents a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and make a difference on a global scale.