BP Funds International Exchange for Future Brazilian STEM Geniuses

Written by Corporativo

Published on 03/07/2024 at 21:37

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bp supports scholarships in STEM areas for 11 students from Brazil, seeking to strengthen analytical and academic skills, sustainability, and global social impact.

The AFS Global STEM Changemakers is an initiative that allows young Brazilians aged 15 to 17 to participate in cultural exchanges in different countries. Around the globe, 150 students from 15 countries are taking part in this edition of the program, with scholarships funded by bp. The opportunity covers various areas such as Science, allowing students to develop advanced and technical knowledge. Additionally, the experience promotes deep engagement with diverse cultures, which is of fundamental importance in today’s world.

New Horizon for Brazilian Students

In 2024, 11 students from eight Brazilian states were chosen to join the global AFS Global STEM Changemakers program. These students will embark on an exchange trip starting this month to destinations like the United States, China, India, and Egypt, with all expenses covered by bp, one of the largest energy companies in the world. Globally, this edition will include the participation of 150 students from 15 countries.

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Learning and Exchange

Organized by AFS Intercultural Programs, the program offers digital learning for three months followed by a four-week in-person experience. The goal is to enrich participants’ knowledge in areas such as sustainability, social innovation, and above all, STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Furthermore, students are encouraged to think of innovative solutions to global problems and develop group projects aimed at addressing issues faced by their communities. ‘To ensure the energy transition, we rely on young people with the right skills willing to tackle the major global challenges of our time.

Skills Development

This program offers the chance to develop critical global competencies such as problem-solving, design thinking, data science, analytical skills, broad STEM awareness, intercultural awareness, and teamwork’, explains Kathleen Martinez, Senior Manager of Education and Employability at bp. The goal is to impact 5,000 students by 2026.

Young people aged 15 to 17 from various countries were able to apply. The selection process, which lasted two months, included an initial phase with subjective questions about the program and school skills in areas such as STEM and Sustainable Development. In the second phase, interviews were conducted in Portuguese and English.

Greater Female Participation

This year, 80% of the spots were filled by girls, marking an increase in female interest in STEM areas, which have historically been dominated by men. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women.

Inspirational Testimonials

The young Luísa Michel, 16, from Belo Horizonte, has always been passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. She saw the scholarship as a unique opportunity to broaden her horizons and contribute to a better future. Luísa will spend four weeks in China. ‘I decided to apply because of the cultural experience and my passion for STEM. This program seemed perfect for me! I aim to use my knowledge to create a better world’, Luísa declared enthusiastically.

Similarly, Ceci Donatello Totti Silveira, a 17-year-old student from São Paulo, was interested in the program for combining some of her favorite subjects with topics such as sustainability and social impact. ‘My favorite subjects are math, physics, and biology. I believe the program will help me choose my profession and improve my social, linguistic, and intercultural skills.’ For Ceci, who will live this experience in the United States, the selection represents a great acknowledgment of her academic efforts.

Impacting the Community

‘I am happy about the selection and hope my approval serves as an example and inspiration to the communities I am part of, such as public school students and people from peripheral areas, individuals outside the standard of thinness, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.’ During the initial three months, selected students participated in live virtual meetings, had the opportunity to meet all the exchange students, and worked on social impact projects.

Toward Sustainable Development

The projects culminated in presentations of potential solutions for real challenges, emphasizing sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change and energy transition. After the virtual phase, students will travel starting this month of July to one of the four selected countries for a four-week immersive experience. In this phase, they will participate in community service, visit local operations focused on sustainability, and observe how companies and organizations use STEM skills to tackle environmental and social challenges.

Global Recognition

At the end of the program, students receive the Advanced Certificate in Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the Social Impact Strategy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. This edition will bring together 150 students from various parts of the world, including Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Australia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, China, Egypt, the USA, the Netherlands, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago. Since 2012, more than 120 Brazilians have participated in the program, while globally more than 2,000 students have been benefited.

Knowledge Expansion in Brazil

The eleven Brazilians selected for this edition come from Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, São Paulo, Piauí, Pará, the Federal District, and Rio de Janeiro. The program not only broadens the horizons of these young individuals but also positively impacts their school communities and society in general.