AFS BP GLOBAL STEM ACADEMIES PROGRAM

The AFS BP Global STEM Academies Program is a prestigious initiative jointly organized by AFS Intercultural Programs and British Petroleum (BP) to empower young minds across the globe with essential knowledge and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program also emphasizes sustainability, intercultural learning, and global citizenship, preparing students to become innovative problem-solvers in an increasingly interconnected world. The BP Global STEM Academies are fully funded scholarship programs.

The Emerald Heights International School takes immense pride in being the only school from India to have hosted this prestigious program four times consecutively since 2022. Over the years, the school has welcomed around 114 international students from countries including Azerbaijan, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK).

Through family homestays and immersive learning experiences, the program promotes genuine intercultural exchange and understanding. The month-long academy is filled with hands-on learning, innovation, and exploration—designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among participants. Students participated in interactive STEM workshops, explored emerging technologies, and visited renowned institutions and industries, gaining a real-world perspective on scientific and technological applications.

Program Highlights and Key Visits

• Daily Yoga Sessions: Encouraging mindfulness, discipline, and holistic well-being.
• Robotics Workshops: Hands-on experience in drone construction, automation, and innovation.
• Sustainability Art Workshop: Creative expression through upcycling, pottery, and eco-art.
• Indore Waste Management Study: Visits to Devguradiya Waste Management Plant, Gobardhan Bio-CNG Plant, and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), offering insights into how Indore became India’s cleanest city.
• Industrial Exposure: Visits to Pinnacle Industries and Force Motors, where students learned about automotive design, manufacturing, and electric vehicle innovation.
• Healthcare Learning: Visits to Choithram Netralaya and Indore Cancer Foundation Hospital, observing live procedures and engaging with healthcare professionals to understand community healthcare systems.
• Higher Education Visits:
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indore: Exploration of cutting-edge research in plasma physics, drones, satellites, and liquid nitrogen labs.
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore: Interaction with faculty on leadership, global trends, and sustainability; exploration of the Zen, Sound, and Spiritual Gardens.
• Sustainability Education: Visit to the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development, learning from Padma Shri Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan about renewable energy, organic farming, and environmental stewardship.
• Cultural Immersion:
  • Heritage Walk of Indore (4 km): A deep dive into the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture.
  • Visits to Maheshwar, Mandu, and Ujjain: Exploring heritage sites like Rani Roopmati Palace, Baz Bahadur Palace, and Jahaz Mahal.
  • Participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign celebrating India’s 75th Independence Day, where students of diverse nationalities proudly created the Indian flag.
• NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks), Pithampur: Visit to Asia’s longest and the world’s fifth-largest vehicle testing track—an insight into automotive research, safety, and technology.
• Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Gramophone Record Museum: Exploration of India’s rich musical heritage and the legacy of the Nightingale of India.

Throughout the program, students not only delved into the world of STEM but also embraced India’s rich culture, sustainability practices, and community spirit. The experience fostered global friendships, cross-cultural understanding, and a commitment to building a sustainable future through science and innovation. The AFS BP Global STEM Academies Program at Emerald Heights truly exemplified the school’s vision of “Education Beyond Boundaries”, blending academic excellence with real-world learning and global citizenship.