Two Pittsburgh Universities Participating in STEM Scholar Program For Women From Predominantly Muslim Countries

Two universities in Pittsburgh are participating in a U.S. government program to encourage young women from predominantly Muslim countries to pursue undergraduate degrees at women's colleges in the United States in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Carlow University and Chatham University are among 50 women's colleges in the U.S. participating in the NeXXt Scholars program designed to "provide access to leadership, internship and research opportunities to build the skills and confidence needed to become the next leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators in their communities."

Women selected under the NeXXt program will receive:
- Five-year membership to the New York Academy of Sciences (four years during undergraduate studies + one year post-graduation).
- Individual STEM mentor and networking opportunities provided by the NYAS
- Access to internship & research opportunities.
- Incredible science, technology, engineering and math education environment with high-tech equipment and hands-on learning.
- A STEM-Sister NeXXt Scholar (an entering American STEM peer is nominated by the admitting college to also receive the NYAS benefits; to discover and navigate STEM educations together.)

Carlow and Chatham are members of the GlobalPittsburgh Education Partnership, a consortium of 17 colleges, universities and graduate programs working together to attract international students to the region through the Study Pittsburgh initiative.

NeXXt Scholar applicants must be citizens of a predominantly Muslim focus country (see table), currently residing in and attending a focus country high school, although they do not have to be Muslims. Students must apply directly to any of the 50 U.S. women’s colleges, be accepted by the college, and major in a STEM field. Tuition is not covered by the NeXXt program, although students may apply for financial aid from the accepting institution.

Students interested in applying should contact a regional EducationUSA Adviser in their country to request a nomination letter for the NeXXt Scholars program. To find an email address for a regional EducationUSA Adviser, go to http://educationusa.state.gov/find-acenter.cfm.

For more about the NeXXt Scholars Initiative, send email to nexxtscholars@state.gov.