Aira Thoudam, a Class XI student from Manipur, has been selected for a scholarship at the prestigious AFS Global Stem Academy in Egypt. The 15-year-old has made it to the group of top 150 scholars selected from a pool of 6,000 applicants from 15 countries for the AFS global STEM Academy. Aira, who is presently studying in Tezpur-based Assam Valley School, expressed her excitement and gratitude towards her school teacher and her mother for their support.
Run by the US-based AFS Intercultural Programs, the Stem Academy offers full-scholarship programmes to high school students aged between 15 and 17 with an interest in sustainability, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), and social impact. The programme consists of two parts – a ‘Virtual Exchange Programme’ from March 8 to June 9, and a ‘Travel to Egypt’ from July 18 to August 16. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded with the advanced certificate on global competence for social impact by AFS and the Centre for Social Impact Strategy, University of Pennsylvania.
Aira’s mother, Meena Longjam, is a well-known Manipuri filmmaker and her film ‘Andro Dreams’ was a part of the non-feature section of the Indian Panorama at the 54th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in November 2023.
The AFS Global Stem Academy scholarship is a significant achievement for Aira and a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her selection for such a prestigious programme highlights the talent and potential of students from the northeastern region of India.
This opportunity will not only provide Aira with valuable learning and exposure but will also contribute to enhancing her global competence and social impact skills. It is a proud moment for Manipur and a moment of celebration for Aira’s family and well-wishers.
