BP Global STEM Academies

Welcome BP employees and children of BP employees! BP and AFS have partnered to create the BP Global STEM Academies to help high schoolers develop the knowledge, critical STEM skills, and intercultural understanding to propel their future success. The BP Global STEM Academies are full scholarship programs in Brazil, Egypt, and the USA, focusing on science, technology, engineering, math and their exciting applications integrated with developing key global competencies like language skills, adaptability, problem-solving, collaboration, and the ability to build bridges across cultures.

Eligibility Requirements

Talented young people from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly young women and students with financial need, are encouraged to apply!

Must be a child of a BP employee (or BP employee is a legal guardian) in order to qualify for the scholarships allocated for children of BP employees; children of contractors and extended family members are NOT eligible
Must be born between December 1, 2001 and June 1, 2004
The ability to participate fully in a classroom and program conducted entirely in English
Demonstrated interest in STEM, study abroad and interacting with different cultures
Willingness to attend all three Academy destinations – Brazil, Egypt, or the USA
Ability and willingness to travel unaccompanied abroad
Ability and willingness to secure travel visa if selected

For more details on eligibility requirements, please see Frequently Asked Questions section below.

The deadline to submit applications for the 2019 BP Global STEM Academies HAS BEEN EXTENDED – the deadline is now 4 March 2019, 11.59 PM EST.

https://vimeo.com/306455538/bcbb670074

Why STEM?

If you are dreaming about becoming a game developer, coder, engineer, or future innovator, a STEM-focused program is a great opportunity! Get the critical skills you need, while engaging with people from around the world and exploring a new and exciting culture.

Science

experiments creating extraordinary discoveries

Technology

cutting-edge designs we can’t live without

Engineering

brightest ideas that set the world in motion

Mathematics

in Einstein’s words, the poetry of logical ideas

Brazil
Egypt
USA

Becoming a global citizen to make an impact in the world

“It was an amazing experience. I still think about it every day and I think it helped me a lot for my future. I had the chance to grow, to get to know all those wonderful people from around the world, to learn more in STEM topics and about cultures.”

-2018 BP Global STEM Academy Participant

Brazil: June 15-July 13

The Brazil BP Global STEM Academy, based in the coastal town of Natal, will dive into the subjects of energy and innovation. The educational program will mainly take place at the Instituto Federal (IF), a high school and university education institute in Natal. Apart from classes and labs at IF, scholarship winners will take part in several activities and excursions supported by outside organizations – such as participating in the state science fair; visiting solar, Aeolic and thermal power plants; and attending a conference at the International Physics Institute. Students will also be introduced to employees at BP in Brazil, providing them with an excellent opportunity to meet and be inspired by people working in STEM fields and to create valuable connections for the future. Last, but not least, the scholarship winners will strengthen their intercultural and language skills by spending a weekend with an AFS-vetted and approved Brazilian host family, join Portuguese language classes and participate in AFS-led workshops on active global citizenship.

Egypt: June 27-July 23

The Egypt BP Global STEM Academy, based in the sprawling capital Cairo, will give students the opportunity to thoroughly explore STEM subjects, with a focus on technology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To provide the participants with an experience that will enrich their skills and awaken their curiosity, the Egypt BP Global STEM Academy has partnered with the Information Technology Institute (ITI) – a pioneering national institute that applies an empirical learning approach to technological development challenges – and organizations with expertise in sustainable development and climate change for its classes and workshops. Apart from the workshops and classes, students will also meet with local representatives from BP, giving them a great opportunity to meet and be inspired by people working in STEM fields and to create valuable connections for the future. Last, but not least, students will get to encounter Egyptian culture and enhance their language and intercultural skills by living with AFS-vetted and approved host families, participating in Arabic language classes, as well as visiting the many ancient and important historical sites of Egypt.

USA: July 7-August 1

The USA BP Global STEM Academy will be based in the most diverse city in America – Houston, Texas. Alive with energy and rich in diversity, this world-class city is home to a vibrant economy, a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions. The Houston Academy will give students the opportunity to thoroughly explore STEM subjects, with a focus on technology, energy and regional exploration that will enrich student skills and awaken their curiosity. Apart from the hands-on workshops and classes, students will visit BP’s US headquarters, and meet with BP leaders and inspiring STEM professionals, giving them an opportunity to discuss real-world innovation and learn about the energy transition. Students will also have the opportunity to tour critical regional institutions, like NASA’s Johnson Space Center, that have led the United States and the world on a continuing adventure of human exploration, discovery and achievement.

Do you have any questions about this program? Check out this space for answers!

Please Note: This FAQ document is for BP employees and their children. BP employee children applying for the scholarship will be asked to answer questions about their parent(s) / legal guardian, including BP work email address and BP segment. Non-BP employee children (external community applicants) from participating countries interested in learning more about the program and applying for a scholarship should access information on the external AFS program page: https://afs.org/stem-academy-scholarships/

Why are BP and AFS partnering to launch the BP Global STEM Academies?

BP relies on cutting-edge innovation and the minds of the brightest scientists and engineers to help us develop the energy the world needs. As a global energy leader, BP wants to attract, develop and retain the best talent from the diversity our world offers. The BP Global STEM Academies will focus on recruiting students from across the globe and providing these talented young people with an exceptional, international opportunity to build critical intercultural skills and develop their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training to help them thrive in a global economy.

What is AFS Intercultural Programs?

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.

Why is BP interested in supporting global student exchange?

Who is funding the BP Global STEM Academies scholars?

BP will provide 100 scholarships – 20 dedicated to eligible children of BP employees – to participate in one of three BP Global STEM Academies which will be hosted in Egypt, Brazil and the USA. The remaining 80 scholarships will be awarded to participants from eight countries where BP and AFS operate – Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Mexico, South Africa and the USA. While BP is providing the financial support for the BP Global STEM Academies, AFS delivers the program including logistics, curriculum, housing, etc.

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

What costs and elements does the BP/AFS scholarship cover?

The BP Global STEM Academies scholarship:

Covers the cost of the four-week program
Pays the cost of domestic and international economy airfare from the student’s hometown to the host country. Once participants are selected, AFS travel will work with students/families on travel logistics
Includes AFS-provided student study abroad medical insurance
Includes housing. Student housing is provided and carefully arranged by AFS Intercultural Programs depending on the country and program. AFS students may live with host family, live in dormitories or a combination of both.
Includes meals. Some meals will be with host families, some will be provided as a group by AFS; applicants are able to provide any dietary restrictions or preferences in their application. There will be no meal plan or meal stipend

What is not included as part of the BP/AFS scholarship?

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

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

What is the BP student/participant eligibility and selection criterion?

Must be a child of a BP employee (or BP employee is a legal guardian) in order to qualify for the scholarships allocated for children of BP employees; children of contractors and extended family members are NOT eligible
Must be born between December 1, 2001 and June 1, 2004
The ability to participate fully in a classroom and program conducted entirely in English
Demonstrated interest in STEM, travel abroad and interacting with different cultures
Willingness to attend all three Academy destinations – Brazil, Egypt, or the USA.
Ability and willingness to travel unaccompanied abroad; particularly relevant to children of BP employees traveling from a non AFS office country; parents must be ok with this prior to application.
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 promoting diversity of all kinds; we highly encourage females and students with financial need to apply

How are scholarship recipients selected?

The first step is to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met. Application review and scholarship selection will then be conducted by AFS on 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. A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview after which scholarship winners will be chosen and notified.

Are there any tax implications that I should consider before my child applies?

Why should my child study abroad with AFS?

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

Where will my child live?

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.

What are the dates of the Academies?

How will AFS support my child?

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.

What kind of candidates are you looking for?

BP and AFS share a commitment to global diversity and inclusion. Eligible and talented students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. BP and AFS highly encourage females and students with financial need to apply for consideration. This scholarship is ideal for, but not limited to, students with demonstrated strengths in academics, but particularly an interest in science, technology, engineering, math and other fields important to the energy industry, as well as an interest to study abroad and meet other cultures. Strong candidates will be ready to fully immerse themselves in the academic and intercultural learning experience for the duration of the program.

How does my child apply?

Do you have any questions about this program? Check out this space for answers!

Why should I choose to participate in this STEM study abroad program?

These four-week, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Academies provide an exceptional opportunity to build critical intercultural skills and drive advanced STEM training that will help students thrive in a global economy. Each Academy will bring together diverse, international groups of students for an exciting and enriching study abroad experience.

Your AFS experience will help you mature and develop skills that you will use throughout your lifetime, including:

Discovering new ways to view and solve problems
Learning to respect and value differences
Becoming more self-confident and flexible as you learn how to turn challenging situations into valuable opportunities for personal growth
Exploring and discovering a new culture
Learning to live and enjoy life outside of your comfort zone
Enjoying amazing adventures with new friends from around the world
Sharing everyday life and cultural traditions with your host family or cohort
Practicing being a leader and collaborating across differences
Becoming part of a lifelong AFS community of over half a million global citizens

Do I get to pick my destination or is a host country selected for me?

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 destinations. Students will be provided an opportunity to rank their program preference; however, AFS reserves the right to choose the final country destination and does not guarantee you will be offered a scholarship to your top country preference listed on your application

Who will I live with while I study abroad?

How do I apply?

How are scholarship recipients selected?

By experiencing STEM subjects in a different culture, AFS and BP are preparing the workforce of the future

“Studying in another country will give me the chance to see how people from different cultures manage and solve similar problems, which I’m committed to put into practice once I come back to my country.”