AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to partner with AstraZeneca, through its Young Health Programme (YHP), to help create a healthier, more sustainable future for people, society and the planet by offering scholarships for young leaders from around the world to join the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly.

With these scholarships, AstraZeneca aims to empower young leaders who are actively working, studying or researching in the areas of Health Equity, Health System Resilience and Climate, and Nature Action. AstraZeneca’s goals include:

Improving health equity and access – advocating to improve equitable health outcomes for all by reducing the distance between people and healthcare, particularly among underserved and historically disadvantaged groups of young people. For example, advancing gender equity in healthcare for girls and women.
Mitigating the impact of climate on health and healthcare – advocating for the mitigation of the harmful effects of climate change on the health and well-being of young people.
Health system strengthening and resilience – advocating for stronger, more equitable health systems, prioritisation of youth-focused resources and collaboration across health system stakeholders.

Prioritizing good health is paramount for building a sustainable future. However, the growing burden of disease and the escalating impacts of climate change on health have strained health systems worldwide, leaving them under-resourced and overwhelmed. Strengthening the resilience of health systems necessitates addressing the climate crisis, which not only jeopardizes human health but also intensifies pressures on healthcare workers and disproportionately affects underserved communities. To equip health systems for the challenges ahead, we must bolster their resilience, promote equitable health outcomes, and expedite the transition to net-zero emissions.

What is the AFS Youth Assembly?

The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. Through the theme of the 30th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly, “Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead” Delegates will explore:

Peace, Policy and Action: Navigating Global Instability
Green Skills for Employment: Building a Sustainable Resource-Efficient Society
Youth Mental Health in a Turbulent World: Challenges and Solutions
Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Leadership.

The AFS Youth Assembly brings together the world’s foremost young leaders and changemakers. The AFS Youth Assembly delegates, aged 18 to 35, come from over 100 countries and possess strong leadership potential as well as keen interest in global issues.

The conference program includes:

Keynote Talks & Interactive Sessions: Get inspired by today’s trailblazers and influencers
Thematic Discussions: Interact with panels of experts and leaders in various areas of inquiry
Skill-Building Workshops: Engage in in-depth discussions or activities to develop practical skills
Awards and Recognitions: Including the possibility to pitch for the $10,000-worth AFS Award for Young Global Citizens
Networking: Make connections with young leaders from all over the world
Special Events: Make new friends or collaborators through special dinners, CultureFest and more

Find out more.

Who can apply for the scholarships?

Candidates must meet all of the requirements below to be considered eligible for this scholarship:

Ideal candidates are actively working, studying, or researching in the areas of Health Equity, Health System Resilience and Climate, and Nature Action;
Have never attended the AFS Youth Assembly before;
Be between 18 – 35 years old* at the time of program start date;
Be able to actively participate in program sessions conducted in English;
We welcome candidates from any country around the world. All applicants must have the ability to secure a travel visa and travel to the United States (this is an in-person event).

*Most delegates are between the ages of 18 and 35. The selection committee will consider applications from those who are older than 35, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.

Apply now

What is included in the scholarships?

These scholarships cover:

Program registration fees including the full AFS Youth Assembly program from August 8-10, 2025 in New York City;
Travel stipend in the form of a reimbursement for your transportation costs;
3 nights accommodation in a hotel in New York City with breakfast included each day
Evening dinner cruise in NY Harbor with other Youth Assembly delegates.

Apply now

What is the deadline for scholarship applications?

Applications will be open until May 1, 2025.

Apply now

About AstraZeneca

To improve the health of people, society and the planet, AstraZeneca is prioritising areas where collaboration across and beyond the health sector can deliver long-term positive impact. AstraZeneca is focused on action in support of climate and nature, health equity and health systems resilience:

Climate & Nature: Reducing our impact on the planet and helping protect and restore our natural environment.
Health Equity: Closing healthcare gaps to give people everywhere the chance to be as healthy as possible.
Health Systems Resilience: Contributing to stronger health systems that can meet the health needs of today and tomorrow.

AstraZeneca recognises that prioritizing disease prevention is essential if we are to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services and improve equitable outcomes. We need a fundamental shift from ‘sick care’ to health care, gearing our health systems to act earlier to prevent, and enable access to health education, literacy, and health empowerment.

AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme (YHP) aims to empower young people to make more informed choices about their health and catalyse a global, youth-led advocacy movement. Their YHP is now active in over 40 countries worldwide, combining community programs, research, advocacy and supporting the development of young leaders, with a focus on underserved communities. The YHP aims to prevent the most common non communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease. YHP activities support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.4 – to reduce premature deaths linked to NCDs by one third by 2030.