NeXXt Scholars Program

Fact Sheet
Office of the Science and Technology Adviser
Washington, DC
August 17, 2015


Date: 03/05/2012 Description: NeXXt Scholars Logo  - State Dept Image

Program Overview

The NeXXt Scholars Program offers female students from countries with Muslim-majority populations and college-selected American young women interested in studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines the opportunity to receive professional development and career advancing support while pursuing undergraduate degree programs at U.S. women’s colleges. Students apply directly to any of the U.S. women’s colleges participating in the NeXXt Scholars Program (see map in program guide). Upon acceptance and matriculation, the International NeXXt Scholar is matched to a school-selected American NeXXt Scholar and the pair explores the Program together. Upon acceptance and matriculation, the International NeXXt Scholar is matched to a school-selected American NeXXt Scholar and the pair explores the Program together. The inaugural class of NeXXt Scholars enrolled in the Fall of 2012 (//2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/10/199153.htm). In its three years of operation, the NeXXt Scholars Program has grown from 24 (12 American and 12 International) Scholars to 66 Scholars. The inaugural class of NeXXt Scholars will be graduating this spring (May 2016).

All 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 a successful female professional in a STEM-related field who serves as a mentor, providing one-on-one support regarding career paths and professional development. Additionally, Scholars gain access to leadership, internships, workshops, 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.  Please note that the NeXXt Scholars Program is not a scholarship and does not finance students’ education in the United States.

The NeXXt Scholars Program was launched by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in December 2011. By partnering with a consortium of U.S. women’s colleges, the NeXXt Scholars Program is preparing the next generation of female global leaders, 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 NeXXt Scholars Program will not be onboarding a new cohort for the 2015-2016 school year. However, the New York Academy of Sciences and the Office of the Science and    Technology Advisor will continue to sustain all previous cohorts participating in the NeXXt Scholars Program.

Download a PDF of the NeXXt Scholars Program Guide here.
Download a PDF of the NeXXt Scholars College Directory here.
Download a PDF of the NeXXt Scholars One-Pager here.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the NeXXt Scholars Program, please email nexxtscholars@state.gov.

Benefits of Becoming an International NeXXt Scholar or an American NeXXt Scholar

  • Award of a 5-year sponsored membership to the New York Academy of Sciences.
  • Based on shared interests, the NY Academy assigns each Scholar to a professional STEM mentor or Fellow for career development and assistance with scientific networking.
  • Each International NeXXt Scholar is paired to an incoming American NeXXt Scholar as nominated by the college.
  • The Program offers opportunities for participation in skills development workshops as well as access to internships and research opportunities.
  • Scholars are exposed to an incredible STEM education environment with high-tech equipment and hands-on learning at a participating women’s college.
  • Intermingling of the students ensures internationalization of U.S. women’s college campuses while dispelling misperceptions and developing mutual understanding and respect across borders.
  • NeXXt Scholars are able to network with other young STEM professionals and act as ambassadors for their country of origin.

American NeXXt Scholars

American high school seniors planning to major in a SEVIS-approved STEM major who accept an offer from a participating U.S. women’s college will automatically be considered for nomination as 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.

Focus Regions:

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Brunei
Burkina Faso
Chad
Comoros
Djibouti
Egypt
Gambia
Guinea
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Libya
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian Territories (Gaza and West Bank)
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Yemen