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2015 STEM Fellowship

Seeking the Western Hemisphere’s next generation of global STEM leaders
Applications to the 2015 STEM Fellowship are now closed.

Competence as a global professional is ever more essential to career success in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Even so, few US students in STEM fields participate in international learning experiences. 

To address this need, US-Brazil Connect and The Brazilian Confederation of Industry (CNI) have launched a pilot fellowship to engage a select group of outstanding STEM students from US universities and colleges in a global leadership experience in Brazil. Fellows receive a scholarship valued at over $12,000 to cover the full cost of the program including a four-week trip to Brazil. 

Selected Fellows will coach essential English-language skills for the benefit Brazilian technical high school students. The intensive 18-week English-language coaching program pairs each Fellow with a small group of Brazilian students online and for four weeks at one of US-Brazil Connect’s 32 Conexão Mundo sites in Brazil. By developing a mentoring relationship with their assigned students through online platforms and in-person classroom time, Fellows have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, facilitate small groups, work cross-culturally, and develop relationships with Brazilian youth.

The STEM Fellowship Program is not a charity project. Rather, it is part of a mutually-beneficial collaboration between Brazil and the US.   The Fellowships begins April 2015 and ends September 2015.

Applications must be submitted by March 29, 2015. 

Fellow Responsibilities

Selected Fellows agree to fulfill a number of responsibilities at each stage of the program. Those responsibilities include:

STEM Advising:The first cohort of STEM Fellows must agree to advise US-Brazil Connect as the organization expands to meet the needs of the STEM community.

Training: Fellows must actively participate in both online and in-person training sessions. This includes a weekend workshop (May 30th & 31st) and five Saturday online sessions combined with weekly online assignments. The training--targeted to STEM students--prepares Fellows with the leadership, teamwork and coaching skills to succeed facilitating English-language learning. The preparation period also examines Brazilian culture and prepares Fellows for travel to Brazil.

Online Coaching: Fellows are required to spend a minimum of four hours per week online with students via Facebook and Google Hangout. Online coaching of Brazilian students is required for eight weeks prior to travel to Brazil and for six weeks following return. US-Brazil Connect provides support and guidance for engagement with students. Fellows evaluate their students’ participation and report to their team leaders on a weekly basis,.

Travel: Fellows travel to Brazil for a four-week period between either June 26 and July 26 or July 3 through August 2

In-Person Coaching: In Brazil, Fellows interact with their Brazilian students for four to six hours per day, leading two different groups of students, assisting with daily assemblies, attending field trips with students, and working as a collaborative team member with other Fellows and the team leaders. Fellows should also plan to spend 1-2 hours daily for team meetings and lesson planning. The experience in Brazil is intense and challenging. All participants should expect a full and demanding schedule during this time.

Pay It Forward: US-Brazil Connect is committed to supporting community building and positive relationships. Fellows will be required to complete a “Pay-it-Forward” project that encourages further development of international leadership skills within the STEM community.

Qualifications

STEM Fellows must be at least 18 years old and be enrolled in a science, technology, engineering or math program at an accredited four-year university.

No Portuguese skills are required.

Qualities of Successful Fellows

Priority will be given to applicants with the following qualities:

  • Ability to complete each of the Fellow Responsibilities
  • Ability to use online tools such as Facebook, Google Hangouts and Google Drive
  • Flexibility to live and work in a range of urban and rural Brazilian sites
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
  • Respect for cultural and ideological diversity
  • Ability to work cooperatively while maintaining a positive attitude
  • Commitment to personal growth and skills development in international leadership

Cost, Support & Scholarships

US-Brazil Connect and Brazilian partners have secured support covering costs of international airfare, visas, training, insurance, hotels and meals in Brazil for four weeks. Fellows will also receive a modest stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship for a total package valued at over $12,000.

There are some small costs associated with the fellowship. In order to insure program commitment, Fellows also agree to place a $150 deposit to be returned upon successful completion of the program. Fellows must also cover the cost of transportation to the mandatory weekend workshop in Denver on May 30 and 31. Travels stipends for the workshop of up to $300 are available upon request.

Selection Process

  • Application Closes: March 29
  • Webinar info session: March 19
  • Skype Interviews: March 30 – April 2
  • Announcement of Fellow Selection: April 6

    • After applications have been reviewed, semi-finalists will be contacted to set up an interview either in person or over Skype.