What is the NeXXt Scholars Program?

The NeXXt Scholars Program is part of an International Women's Undergraduate STEM Education Initiative, which was launched by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in December 2011 — view the video at the bottom of this page.

By partnering with a consortium of U.S. women's colleges, the NeXXt Scholars Program is preparing the future generation of female global leaders who will be discovering the next great idea, and solving the next big challenge. The double X in the Program's title symbolizes the X chromosomes of women.

The New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and a consortium of women's colleges, launched the NeXXt Scholars Program in the fall of 2012. This Program aims to engage, connect and advance young women from countries with predominantly Muslim populations and young American women to pursue undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. In order to accomplish this goal, the Academy provides partnership, mentorship, and networking support for these Scholars by way of a selected STEM Fellow.

All International and American NeXXt Scholars receive access to the STEM community through their 5-year membership to the New York Academy of Sciences. Scholars are also individually matched with Fellows, who serve as mentors in order to provide one-on-one support regarding career paths and professional development. Additionally, Scholars gain access to leadership, internship, and research opportunities to build the skills and confidence needed to become the next leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators of communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Application Process for American NeXXt Scholars

American high school seniors planning to major in a SEVIS-approved STEM majorwho accept an offer from a U.S. women's college that is participating in the NeXXt Scholars Program will automatically be considered for becoming an American NeXXt Scholar if an International NeXXt Scholar is accepted. Although there is no formal application process, students can also indicate their interest as part of the college application.

Application Process for International NeXXt Scholars

The international applicant, who is planning to major in a STEM field, needs to contact her EducationUSA adviser for a nomination letter. The adviser must then submit the nomination letter directly to the colleges of interest and a copy should be emailed to nexxtscholars@state.gov.

In addition to completing the nomination letter, the EducationUSA adviser must also designate the student as an applicant to the NeXXt Scholars Program by filling out an online application. For instructions, contact the administrators of the Program at nexxtscholars@state.gov.

The student must apply directly to any of the 38 U.S. women's colleges through standard procedures . The requirements for each school are detailed in the application guide at www.state.gov/e/stas/nexxt. Questions can be directed to the EducationUSA adviser, the NeXXt Scholars Program via email, or points-of-contact listed in the women's college guide. Applying to more than one institution is highly recommended.

The applicant becomes designated as an international NeXXt scholar upon confirmed matriculation at the women's college and is required to pursue a STEM major.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What fields of study are included in the approved STEM majors?

The NeXXt Scholars Program indicates approved STEM-related majors in accordance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM-Designated Degree Program, which is updated yearly. The list can be viewed at www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm. Certain countries specify which majors an international NeXXt scholar should pursue so students are encouraged to confirm desired study areas with appropriate officials. Please contact the country's EducationUSA adviser with questions.

Although students without a committed intent to major in a STEM-related field should seek other opportunities, it is understandable that some students may find another passion while exploring a liberal arts curriculum. After encouraging the scholar to still major in STEM and minor in another field of interest, the student will remain eligible for the Program provided she takes a core set of STEM subjects at the level equivalent to at least a minor.

What financial aid package does the NeXXt Scholars Initiative provide?

Although the NeXXt Scholars Program does not provide any scholarship or directly include a financial aid component, some of the women's colleges offer need-based and/or merit-based financial assistance to qualified students. Other schools are able to assist with tuition and living expenses. For details, refer to the women's college admissions guide at www.state.gov/e/stas/2012/185518.htm. To secure tuition assistance, candidates must apply to the women's colleges by the appropriate financial aid deadlines (which may be different from the application deadlines) and submit the necessary documents. Colleges will inform applicants directly of the financial aid package, if any, at the time of the acceptance decision.

Further, some countries provide scholarship funds for students interested in studying abroad. Details are specific to the nature of the opportunity. Contact the country's EducationUSA adviser for more information (http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php).

To learn even more about the Program and determine if you are eligible to participate, please check out the following resources:

• NeXXt Scholars Program Guide (PDF)
• NeXXt Scholars College Guide (PDF)
• Downloadable PDF of the one-pager for NeXXt Scholars Program (PDF)
• The State Department webpage on NeXXt Scholars
• The EducationUSA Advisors' website
• Inaugural class press release, October 2012
• Program announcement press release, January 2012

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or inquiries:

Amber Schaub

Program Coordinator, Education & Public Programs
aschaub@nyas.org

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