The Stevens Initiative

10/06/2026

Stevens Initiative Alumni: Don’t miss the chance to share your voice with us by completing our annual alumni survey by October 28! Let us know what you’d like to see from the alumni network and what you’ve been up to since your program ended: https://forms.gle/AXBQVHiAnMmE7zK6A

09/29/2026

‼️ Don’t miss your chance to apply! You have until 8:00pm EDT today to be part of the AI Ignite Lab!

⚡The AI Ignite Lab combines the power of emerging tech with a human-first approach to solve real-world problems. Participants will:

✅ Learn how to ethically use AI tools for social impact

✅ Master design thinking and cross-cultural leadership

✅ Execute a live intervention in your community on a global Day of Action

✅ Showcase work through a global media campaign

Open to U.S. and UAE youth ages 18–24.

👉 APPLY BY 8:00PM EDT TODAY, 29 SEPTEMBER:

The Stevens Initiative AI Ignite Lab is an exciting pilot that prepares MBZUAI and American students for their future careers by pairing AI-forward design with dialogue and collaboration for lasting community impact. Interested to learn more? Keep reading!

09/25/2026

Weekend plans: ☕ Relax. 📱 Scroll. 💡 Apply for the AI Ignite Lab.

There’s still time to join young people from the U.S. and UAE to explore AI, swap ideas, and create something that can make a difference in your community.

If you’re 18–24, don’t overthink it — bring your curiosity and come ready to create.

📅 Deadline: September 29 at 5pm ET

https://stevensinitiative.smapply.io/prog/ai_ignite_lab/

09/23/2026

⏰ You’ve got a few more days! Applications for the AI Ignite Lab have been extended through September 29.

Have an idea for making your community better? Curious about how AI could help bring it to life?

The AI Ignite Lab brings together young people ages 18–24 from the U.S. and UAE to learn, experiment, and build together. You’ll explore AI and design thinking, connect with peers in another country, and develop an idea you can put into action in your own community.

No need to be an AI expert — bring your ideas, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate. You can apply on your own or with a friend!

👉 https://stevensinitiative.smapply.io/prog/ai_ignite_lab/

09/18/2026

Level up your resume with ethical AI and cross-cultural leadership skills 🇺🇸🇦🇪. The Stevens Initiative AI Ignite Lab connects young leaders (ages 18-24) in the U.S. and UAE to solve real-world community challenges.

👉 Submit your application today: https://stevensinitiative.smapply.io/prog/ai_ignite_lab/

Deadline September 24.

09/18/2026

At the Stevens Initiative, we’re bridging communities across borders. 🇲🇽🇺🇸

Our recent virtual exchange pilot program, Same Sky/Mismo Cielo, brought together a cohort of young writers from both El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico for twelve weeks of bilingual cross-cultural dialogue and storytelling. Together, these participants strengthened their ability to listen, understand, and connect with their peers across geographic and cultural boundaries.

To celebrate the success of the program and the participants, we’re proud to announce the release of the Same Sky/Mismo Cielo anthology - a collection of original pieces on the stories inherited from a shared past, the power and hope we hold in the face of present uncertainties, and the future possibilities that young people can imagine together.

Through these pages, we hope you will discover the true richness and complexity of the youth experience at the U.S.-Mexico border.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this pilot possible – especially our partners at Creative Writing for Social Change, UACJ, University Texas El Paso – and to our inspiring participants for bringing their open minds and energy.

https://www.stevensinitiative.org/same-sky/

09/11/2026

🔥 What if you could use AI to make a difference in your community?

Applications are now open for the AI Ignite Lab, a new virtual experience connecting young people ages 18–24 in the United States and United Arab Emirates, designed in collaboration with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Participants will connect with peers across both countries, explore ethical AI and human-centered design, and work together to take an idea from concept to community action.

🌍 It all leads to a global Day of Action, when participants across the U.S. and UAE will put their ideas into practice by launching community-based projects.

🤝 Want to do it with a friend? Apply together! You can also apply individually.
📅 Applications close September 24.
🔗 Apply here: https://stevensinitiative.smapply.io/prog/ai_ignite_lab/

Ideas into action. AI for good.

08/10/2026

Our incredible alumni spent the weekend in Kansas City exploring the technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills needed to navigate a changing workforce and drive prosperity in their communities.

But they aren’t just leaving with new skills—they’re leaving with a plan of action! Each participant committed to launching a 30-day community micro-experiment to share their knowledge, build digital resources, or host local workshops to impact at least 10 people back home. As part of our Freedom 250 celebration, we are so proud to support this next generation of American professionals as they carry the nation’s spirit of innovation forward. Thank you Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State for making this opportunity possible for these 50 emerging U.S. leaders.

08/09/2026

Day two of the was busy! As part of our Freedom 250 celebration, armed with Innovation Passports that serve as a guide for developing community projects after the event, yesterday our alumni explored how AI, digital responsibility, and entrepreneurial thinking intersect with global engagement. From rapid-prototyping solutions for local community challenges to engaging in scenario-based design sprints to visiting The College Basketball Experience and witnessing innovation in action, the energy in the room was unmatched and carried through to dinner as participants connected with each other and local leaders in small groups.

A huge thank you to our incredible speakers, mentors, and partners, including Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State for guiding these rising leaders as they learned to translate complex tech tools into meaningful action.

08/08/2026

Our alumni arrived in Kansas City for our first-ever , supported by Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State, as part of our Freedom 250 celebration!

This immersive weekend brings together a dynamic group of 50 U.S. alumni from across the country to explore the next frontier of leadership, AI, and citizen diplomacy.

Our participants are diving straight into interactive sessions and collaborative problem-solving to design innovative, real-world solutions for American communities. We’re kicking off the event with a welcome session where participants will get to know each other and meet with Kansas innovation ecosystem leaders to gain firsthand insight into how Kansas is driving economic growth, advancing homegrown innovation, and shaping policy solutions that strengthen America’s competitiveness.

Be sure to follow along throughout the weekend for more updates!