AFS Global STEM Changemakers 2026 Virtual Exchange Program
The AFS Global STEM Changemakers 2026 is a full-scholarship certificate virtual exchange program for young people worldwide who are interested in STEM, sustainability, intercultural learning, and social impact. Applications for the 2026 global program are open, and the application deadline is 2 August, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: AFS Global STEM Changemakers
Opportunity Type: Virtual Exchange Program
Host Organization: AFS Intercultural Programs
Programme Format: Online / Virtual
Duration: 12 weeks
Programme Dates: 31 August – 22 November, 2026
Deadline: 2 August, 2026
Funding: Full scholarship
Eligibility: Youth aged 15–20 at the program start date
About the AFS Global STEM Changemakers 2026
AFS Global STEM Changemakers is a virtual exchange program focused on STEM, global competence, sustainability, and positive social impact. The program is co-developed with the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.
The 2026 global program offers 200 scholarships for young changemakers around the world. Scholarship winners will participate in a 12-week virtual learning experience designed to build STEM knowledge, intercultural skills, and social impact thinking.
The program culminates with social impact capstone presentations. These presentations offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with emphasis on climate change and the energy transition.
Programme Focus
The program combines STEM learning with sustainability and intercultural exchange. It is designed for students who are interested in solving global challenges and learning with peers from different cultures.
Participants will engage with content on:
• Sustainability
• Social innovation
• Global competence skills
• Intercultural understanding
• Problem-solving
• Analytical skills
• Climate change and the energy transition
• Social impact project development
Also read: UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme 2026
What Participants Will Do
The AFS Global STEM Changemakers program is completed from home. It includes online content, live dialogue sessions, and self-paced learning activities.
The virtual curriculum includes:
• Weekly live synchronous dialogue sessions on Zoom with global peers and AFS facilitators.
• Self-paced online modules, games, and quizzes.
• Learning activities on sustainability and social innovation.
• Collaboration with global peers.
• Development of a social impact project.
• A digital presentation to the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.
Participation requires approximately 3–4 hours each week. The official page states that the virtual program is designed to fit around a school schedule.
Benefits and Scholarship Support
The program is available only through a scholarship award. The official page describes it as a full-scholarship certificate virtual exchange program.
Confirmed benefits include:
✓ Full scholarship for selected participants
✓ 12-week virtual exchange program
✓ Interactive and hands-on curriculum
✓ Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact from AFS and the University of Pennsylvania CSIS
✓ Access to an exclusive Global STEM alumni platform
✓ Continued learning, networking, and mentorship opportunities
✓ Eligibility to participate in the AFS Youth Assembly
AFS also states that if internet or technology access is an issue, AFS may be able to help.
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Scholarship Allocation
The 2026 global program offers 200 scholarships for young changemakers worldwide.
The official page also states that 100 scholarships are allocated to youth from:
• Angola
• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Mauritania
• Senegal
A minimum of 20% of scholarship spots are earmarked for students from native and indigenous communities, as well as refugees and displaced students.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements for the AFS Global STEM Changemakers program.
Applicants must:
• Be 15–20 years old at the program start date.
• Have a birthdate between 1 Dec 2005 and 1 September 2011.
• Be able to participate fully online in a program conducted entirely in English.
• Demonstrate interest in STEM, sustainability, and global competencies.
• Show curiosity and willingness to interact with diverse global peers and explore new cultures.
Talented young people from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes young women, underrepresented populations, and students with high financial need.
Check: Leading Scholarship 2026 for One Young World Summit in South Africa
Technology Requirements
Applicants need access to basic technology to participate in the virtual program.
The listed technology requirements include:
• A computer, smartphone, or other digital device to access the virtual program content.
• An integrated webcam and microphone for online dialogue sessions.
• Stable internet or Wi-Fi connection.
AFS states that it may be able to help if internet or technology accessibility is an issue.
Required Forms
In addition to completing the online application, applicants will be asked to submit supporting forms.
Required forms include:
• Parent/Guardian Permission Form, only required for minors.
• Recommendation Letter.
The forms can be accessed through the application portal. Applicants should follow the due date listed in the application portal. Late forms will not be accepted, and applications with missing forms will be considered incomplete.
The official page also states that the parental consent form, academic history form, and recommendation letter form may be verified with either a handwritten or digital signature.
Previous Global STEM Scholars
The official page includes a restriction for previous Global STEM participants.
Applicants are not eligible if they have previously received a scholarship to participate in:
• AFS Global STEM Accelerators
• AFS Global STEM Academies
• AFS Global STEM Changemakers: Australia – New Zealand
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Application Process
Applicants must complete the official online application for the 2026 AFS Global STEM Changemakers global program.
The application process includes:
• Review the official program details and eligibility requirements.
• Complete the online application through the official application portal.
• Submit the required forms listed in the portal.
• Include the required academic and recommendation materials.
• Submit the application before the stated deadline.
AFS recommends that application essays and program communications should be written in the applicant’s own words.
Important Dates
The official page lists the following dates for the 2026 global program:
• Application Opens: 2 June, 2026
• Application Deadline: 2 August, 2026
• Decisions Announcement: 14 August, 2026
• Virtual Exchange: 31 August – 22 November, 2026
The timeline is subject to change.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the AFS Global STEM Changemakers 2026 global program is 2 August, 2026.
Scholarship winners will be announced by 14 August, 2026.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
