World Learning and U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Launch STEM-Focused Virtual Exchange Program for U.S. and Saudi Youth

Publication Date: August 23, 2021
Publication Location: WASHINGTON
Contact: Kate Casa   |   [email protected]

World Learning and the U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today the launch of a new virtual exchange program that will bring together 50 U.S. and 100 Saudi high school students to learn about youth leadership and develop soft skills relevant to college exploration and career development in STEM fields.  Funded in part by EducationUSA, the Quincy STEM Career & College Exploration Program will be implemented by World Learning in partnership with the Boeing-funded STEAM Discovery Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Martina Strong commented:  “This program celebrates the rich history of our bilateral ties and builds the foundation of our future partnership and friendship.  The Quincy program was introduced in 2020, during the 75^th anniversary commemoration of the historic meeting between U.S. President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the U.S.S. Quincy, where they launched the strong strategic partnership the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy today.  Over the decades, this partnership has been propelled forward by our education exchange programs, and the Quincy STEM Career & College Exploration Program adds a new, future-oriented dimension to this remarkable shared record of academic success and achievement.”

“This program offers participants the unique opportunity to build practical skills for academic and career success in STEM fields and develop relationships with peers in another country without ever leaving home,” said Christina Thomas, World Learning’s divisional vice president for youth exchange.

The fully funded, eight-week program is modeled on The Experiment Digital, a leader in online exchange programming, which has brought thousands of young people from around the world together through dynamic virtual exchanges. The Quincy STEM Career & College Exploration Program is conducted entirely online for four hours a week from Oct. 11–Dec. 5, 2021.

During the program, a team of experts in the U and Saudi Arabia will facilitate online experiential learning activities, which will be tailored to accommodate students with different levels of STEM experience.  Through college and career planning activities, participants will build digital communication and leadership skills necessary to pursue STEM opportunities in U.S. higher education.  Participants will also learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify skills or knowledge required for the field(s) in which they want to work.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive digital badges to showcase their knowledge and skills.  They will also have access to the U.S. Department of State’s International Alumni Network, unique project funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of State, and a $400 scholarship for a summer 2022 program abroad with The Experiment in International Living.

The fully funded, eight-week program is modeled on The Experiment Digital, a leader in online exchange programming, which has brought thousands of young people from around the world together through dynamic virtual exchanges. The Quincy STEM Career & College Exploration Program is conducted entirely online for four hours a week from Oct. 11–Dec. 5, 2021.

During the program, a team of experts in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia will facilitate online experiential learning activities, which will be tailored to accommodate students with different levels of STEM experience. Through college and career planning activities, participants will explore how to build digital communication and leadership skills through STEM opportunities in high school and higher education. Participants will also learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify skills or knowledge required for the field(s) they want to work in.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive digital badges to showcase their knowledge and skills gained, access to the U.S. Department of State’s International Alumni Network, unique project funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of State, and a $400 scholarship for a summer 2022 program abroad with The Experiment in International Living.

Applications for the program are being accepted on a rolling basis until Sept. 20, 2021. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.experiment.org/quincy

Impacting people in more than 150 countries, World Learning is a global nonprofit working to create a more peaceful and just world through education, sustainable development, and exchange. World Learning is part of the World Learning Inc. family, a thriving global organization which also includes The Experiment in International Living and School for International Training (SIT). www.worldlearning.org

The Experiment in International Living—World Learning’s flagship people-to-people exchange program—is the nation’s most experienced provider of summer abroad programs for high school students and a leader in international virtual exchange. For nearly 90 years, these immersive programs have allowed participants to authentically explore the world while developing enduring friendships through cultural experiences and homestays, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. www.experiment.org