Denver, CO - US-Brazil Connect and the Brazilian Confederation of Industry (CNI) have launched a new international leadership fellowship for students studying science, technology, engineering, and/or math (STEM) at US colleges and universities.
”Experience abroad is increasingly essential for STEM professionals that wish to have global careers,” explained Eleanor Allen, US-Brazil Connect Board member and Director of Global Water for Arcadis. “Even so, too few US students in those fields are participating in international learning experiences. Through our partnership with the CNI, we are creating an innovative model for STEM students from the US to gain invaluable cross-cultural experience working on the ground with technical students from Brazil.”
The nine US-Brazil Connect STEM Fellows selected for the 2015 program year will gain global leadership skills and deep understanding of Brazil through their service as mentors to Brazilian students who attend high school in the SESI or SENAI school systems--networks of technical schools tasked with preparing Brazil’s next industrial workforce. Fellows complete an extensive training curriculum to prepare for leadership in Brazil. Participants in the pilot program will also advise US-Brazil Connect on the program design for replication and potential expansion in 2016.
In exchange for hard work throughout the summer program, US-Brazil Connect STEM Fellows receive a scholarship valued at over $8500 to cover the full cost of the program, including travel and living expenses over the four-week trip to Brazil. When asked about how she felt about being selected for the STEM Fellowship, Shanice Bennett said: I feel honored to be chosen to participate in this program. I also feel inspired by the friends I have already made within the program to enjoy life to the fullest, while leaving a legacy. For me, this is an opportunity to uplift and inspire the world's next generation of global leaders. I am looking forward to seeing my students' growth in the program, as well as the life lessons I will learn from exploring a new culture."
The STEM Fellowship is the latest part of US-Brazil Connect’s highly successful partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Industry in the Conexão Mundo program. Those interested in applying for the STEM Fellowship in 2016 can learn more about the fellowship at the US-Brazil Connect website. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be enrolled in a science, technology, engineering or math program at an accredited, four-year college or university.
Check out our other newsletter stories!
137 Students and Young Professionals Selected as US-Brazil Connect Fellows
US-Brazil Connect Launches New STEM Fellowship for 2015 Program Year
Six Community Colleges Continue Partnerships with Brazil's Technical Education System
US-Brazil Connect and Brazil’s Industry Association Announce 32 Sites for 2015 Programs
