BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE United States Embassy in Brunei is inviting Bruneians studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to apply for an opportunity to pursue undergraduate degree programmes at American women’s colleges.

Under the NeXXt Scholars Programme, recipients would have the opportunity for career advancement through professional development, workshops, leadership and mentoring support, the embassy said in a press statement.

To date, there has been no record of any Bruneians enrolling in the programme.

Undergraduate applicants must be first-year, sophomore, or junior female students majoring in a STEM field, the statement read.

Applicants from Brunei are eligible to join the programme once they gain admission into selected colleges. Applications would be processed by the US embassy in Brunei.

The embassy stated that the NeXXt Scholars Programme was aimed at women from 47 countries with Muslim-majority populations.

Recipients of the programme would also gain a five-year membership to the New York Academy of Sciences with access to networks and events, and a mentor for one-on-one career support.

Moreover, each international NeXXt Scholar is paired with an American NeXXt Scholar from the same college to explore the programme together; attend live and virtual seminars, and research to enable the young women to acquire the skills and confidence needed to become future leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators worldwide.

However, the programme does not finance students’ education in the United States, the statement added.

Candidates can apply to the women’s colleges for financial aid, and tuition assistance deadlines may be different from the application deadlines.

Colleges will directly inform applicants of the financial aid package, if any, at the time of the acceptance decision.

Certain countries provide scholarship funds for students interested in studying abroad; some are specifically for women or for individuals interested in STEM fields.

Any female applicant planning to major in a STEM field and interested in the programme would need to contact the US Embassy Education USA for a nomination letter.

Alternatively, they can contact the US Embassy’s education advisor Mayra Robles at roblesmt@state.gov. for details.

The Brunei Times