In a noteworthy achievement, Aira Thoudam, a talented Class XI student from Imphal West district in Manipur, has secured a coveted scholarship for the esteemed AFS Global STEM Academy in Egypt. Currently attending Assam Valley School, Tezpur, Aira has distinguished herself as one of the top 150 scholars globally through a rigorous selection process that included 6,000 applicants from 15 nations for the prestigious “AFS Global STEM 2024 Academy.”
Aira’s Remarkable Accomplishment
Aira’s accomplishment is particularly commendable, given the competitive nature of the scholarship and the international recognition she has garnered. Her achievement is a testament to her academic prowess and dedication.
Elated by the news, Aira shared her excitement, stating, “I am extremely excited to be selected for AFS Global STEM Academies 2024. This was my first attempt at such a coveted scholarship, and I received the delightful news via email yesterday.” She expressed gratitude to her school mentor, Raya Mukhopadhyay, for providing invaluable guidance throughout the preparation process.
“I have been preparing for months for this, though I was a bit nervous during the interview. I would like to thank my school teacher Raya Mukhopadhyay without whose guidance this would not have been possible. I am very proud of my mother who is always very supportive and my inspiration,” Aira added.
Participants in the AFS Global STEM Academy program will engage in various activities, including community service initiatives and exploring innovative sustainability operations. The program emphasizes the application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills to address industry and societal challenges.
Successful participants will receive an advanced certificate on global competence for social impact, jointly conferred by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Centre for Social Impact Strategy. This certification acknowledges their contributions to addressing social challenges through the application of STEM knowledge and skills.
Aira’s achievement adds to her family’s success, with her mother, Meena Longjam, gaining acclaim for her film ‘Andro Dreams,’ which opened the non-feature section at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 20, 2023.
