The University of New Mexico Global Education Office (GEO) is granting partial scholarships for UNM undergraduate-women, in the STEM +Architecture (STEM+A) fields, to participate in an international high-impact academic professionalization program—The Innovation Academy for Women of the Americas (The Academy).

UNM applicants from the following disciplines are preferred: biology, chemistry, engineering—civil, chemical and biological, electrical and computer, and mechanical—earth and planetary sciences, environmental sciences, mathematics and statistics, nutrition, and environmental planning and design (architecture).

Founded by The University of New Mexico in 2016 and sponsored by 100,000 Strong in the Americas, this year’s Academy will be hosted by Universidad La Salle Mexico June 3 through July 1 in Mexico City, Mexico.

During the 30-day program participants can expect to:

  • Develop globally relevant experience through working on a challenging real-life, hands-on project focused on improving water quality and overall public health within a specific ecosystem. Participants will collaborate in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural groups within four main modules: data analysis and identification of quality-of-life measures; research and review of technological/engineering requirements; environmental factor analysis; and design of the social habitat.
  • Receive coaching/mentoring from academics, practitioners, and experts who will encourage the development of problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Participants will enrich academic competencies in research methodologies, project management, and cross-discipline communication and collaboration. These skills are designed to accelerate preparation for graduate studies and professional research.
  • Develop leadership skills needed for personal, academic, and professional success with an emphasis in stimulating innovation, entrepreneurship, and increased global social responsibility awareness. Participants will become part of a network of women in the STEM+A fields to facilitate on-going mentorship, support, and collaboration beyond the duration of the summer program.
  •  Experience first-hand cultural exchanges, develop global points-of-view, and broaden knowledge in their fields.
  • Receive a certificate of completion, endorsed by The Academy and its higher education partners

Requirements:

  • Current cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Must have completed (5) semesters in a STEM+A undergraduate program of study
  • Previous experience with undergraduate research
  • Language: Intermediate conversational Spanish language skills described in the application essay and demonstrated to the UNM Global Education Office, if chosen. While the program content will be delivered in English, it is important to have at least an intermediate conversational Spanish language ability to meaningfully engage within the environment of Mexico City.
  • Maturity, responsibility and willingness to participate fully in The Academy activities and its international network for women of the Americas.

Costs & Scholarships:

  • Program fee: $2,500 USD, includes program content and related transportation, housing, meals, certificate of completion and Universidad La Salle campus facility access as related to the program. Roundtrip international airfare, passport expenses and personal expenses are not included in this cost.
  • Partial scholarships are available to support competitive UNM applicants administered through the UNM Global Education Office. Scholarship awards will range between $500 and $1,000 USD. The scholarships are made possible by the 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative.
  • Applicants may also apply for general scholarships available through the Global Education Office’s Education Abroad program. For more information visit the GEO website. 

 To indicate interest, obtain specific information and/or to apply contact 
Danielle Gilliam with the UNM Global Education Office at 505-277-6051 or theacademy@unm.edu.


The UNM Global Education Office plans to assist
 with facilitating the application process for UNM applicants. The deadline is March 10.

The Academy is a consortium of talented and motivated undergraduate women, faculty, professionals, organizations and institutions linked by a common purpose: to encourage and inspire more women in the Americas to advance to higher levels of education and influence in the science, technology, engineering, math and architecture (STEM+A) fields.