BP Global STEM Academies

AFS Intercultural Programs is a leading student exchange and study abroad provider. For over 70 years, AFS has prepared and activated future leaders, global citizens and changemakers with essential 21st century intercultural skills to engage, lead and collaborate effectively in different cultural settings. AFS’s international exchange, study abroad and volunteer programs are supported by research-based intercultural learning journeys facilitated by trained AFS volunteers and staff and help people of all ages and backgrounds develop leadership, problem-solving, language and intercultural skills needed to succeed in a global economy and make a positive difference in the world.

As a global producer of oil and gas, with operations in over 70 countries, BP relies on STEM to remain an industry leader. The BP Global STEM Academies will help young scholars explore STEM ambitions, applications and careers while preparing them to thrive in competitive and international environments.

Together, BP and AFS will provide 100 scholarships—20 dedicated to eligible children of BP employees—to participate in one of three STEM Academies which will be hosted in Egypt, Brazil and the USA.

Note that in some jurisdictions, this scholarship may be considered taxable income to BP employees of students awarded the BP/AFS 2018 scholarship.

The BP Global STEM Academies scholarship:

• Covers the cost of the four-week program
• Pays the cost of domestic and international airfare from the student’s hometown to the host country
• Includes AFS-provided student study abroad medical insurance
• Includes housing
• Includes meals
• Covers cost of visa application fees; in countries where there is no AFS office, parents and students will need to apply and pay for visa (receipts should be retained for reimbursement)

The following items are not covered, as part of the BP/AFS scholarship:

• Vaccinations, immunizations, and other disease-preventing medications (i.e., malaria prevention)
• Any necessary pre-trip doctor visits and co-pays
• Travel expenses to the regional consulate to obtain a visa
• Checked luggage fees
• No stipend is provided
• Local tax liabilities

• Must be a child of a BP employee (or BP employee is a legal guardian) in order to qualify for the BP awarded scholarships
• Must be between the age of 15-17.5 years to apply; high school graduates or graduating seniors are not eligible
• Must have a valid and current passport
• The ability to participate fully in a classroom and program conducted entirely in English
• Demonstrated interest in STEM
• Student willingness to travel to and participate in any of the following program countries: Brazil, Egypt, or the USA.
• Student ability and willingness to travel unaccompanied abroad; particularly relevant to children of BP employees traveling from a non AFS office country
• Ability and willingness to secure travel visa if selected; particularly relevant to children of BP employees traveling from a non AFS office country
• BP and AFS are committed to ensuring diversity of all kinds; a focus will be placed on engaging females and students with financial need
• Children of BP contractors are not eligible
• Application review and scholarship selection will be conducted by AFS via a competitive, blind, third party evaluation to ensure that all students are selected without preference or prejudice and solely on the quality of their application, merits and experience

BP employees should be aware that tax laws differ from country to country. As a result, the amount awarded to student recipients of the BP/AFS scholarship may be treated as taxable wage income to BP employees, in certain jurisdictions.

For over 70 years, AFS has had an exceptional reputation for providing quality international programs that develop skills essential to succeed in the 21^st century. Research shows that the AFS experience:

• Builds confidence, broadens perspectives and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Includes respected intercultural education and language learning components that are valued by universities and employers
• Offers fun adventures that make learning easy and meaningful to teens

• Provides lifelong access to a global community of friends, connections and volunteer opportunities

Participants in the Egypt program will live with host families, participants in the USA program will live in a dormitory, and participants in the Brazil program will have a mixture of both. AFS is committed to diversity of all kinds and its host families come from all backgrounds that reflect the diversity of the populations of Brazil and Egypt. All host families are carefully vetted by AFS before being selected to host students.

The health, safety and well-being of the students are the number one priority for AFS. AFS volunteers and staff are committed and trained to support students and their families throughout the AFS experience. AFS has consistent guidelines that apply to all AFS organizations. All AFS organizations also have a local 24-hour emergency contact number that is always monitored.

BP and AFS share a commitment to global diversity and inclusion. Talented young students between the ages of 15 to 17.5, from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. BP and AFS highly encourage females and students with financial need to apply for consideration.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page to submit your application.

The BP Global STEM Academies will be hosted in three countries: Brazil, Egypt and the USA.  Students must be willing and able to participate and travel to all three program host countries.

Students will be provided an opportunity to rank their program preference; however, AFS will make final program designations.

Participants in the Egypt program will live with host families, participants in the USA program will live in a dormitory, and participants in the Brazil program will have a mixture of both. AFS is committed to diversity of all kinds and its host families come from all backgrounds that reflect the diversity of the populations of Brazil and Egypt. All host families are carefully vetted by AFS before being selected to host students.

When you attend an AFS study abroad program, you become an ‘AFSer’.  You will join a connected global community of people committed to promoting and fostering intercultural understanding. You will also have the opportunity to become an AFS volunteer and help other students and families on their AFS experience.

Interested applicants should discuss this opportunity with their parent or legal guardian.  After obtaining permission from parent or legal guardian, use the APPLY NOW button on this page to submit your application.

The first step is to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met. Application review and scholarship selection will be conducted by AFS via a competitive, blind, third party evaluation to ensure that all students are selected without preference or prejudice and solely on the quality of their application, merits and experience.