Women around the world currently make up more than half of the college-educated workforce. However, STEM fields are made up of only 28% women. Women and girls who desire to learn more about STEM often face a challenging set of circumstances in fields that are traditionally dominated by men. (See the American Association of University Women for more details). That’s why we have created a program dedicated to the future of women in STEM fields. By providing an opportunity for girls from around the world to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we can start to change this trend and open up more possibilities for the perspectives of women in the greater goal of reaching a sustainable future.
Scholarship winners will participate in 12 week all-virtual programs focusing on emerging and critical STEM skills and fields, global competence education, and social impact (co-developed with the University of Pennsylvania). Scholars will enrich their STEM knowledge and skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and the ability to build bridges across cultures.
The program culminates with team 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. bp, a global energy company, provides funding that supports these scholarships.
Established in 1740, University of Pennsylvania is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Philadelphia (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Pennsylvania. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, University of Pennsylvania (Upenn) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Pennsylvania (Upenn) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 279 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 10-20% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.