About INSPIRE
The International Network for STEM, Participation, Innovation, Research, and Education (INSPIRE) program is a four-week exchange program to the United States focused on learning about cross-cultural dialogue, youth leadership, community engagement, and English language through the lens of science and technology. INSPIRE participants will travel to the United States in July 2026, and will spend three weeks at a U.S. college for engaging classroom sessions, hands-on workshops, and visits to local organizations and cultural sites. Participants will stay with host families near the universities, gaining unique insights into the everyday lives and routines of American people. In the final week of the program, students will travel to Washington, D.C. for a multi-day closing event comprising workshops and tours of historic sites in the area. Upon return to Russia, participants will implement community service projects in their region that address relevant local issues.
INSPIRE will cover all necessary expenses associated with the program, including roundtrip international airfare, domestic airfare, accommodation, living stipends, meals, and health insurance.
STEM Education
At its core, STEM education brings together science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to help students understand how the world works—and how they can shape it for the better. STEM learning encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, showing students how innovation can make a positive difference in their communities. During their three-week stay on U.S. campuses, participants will explore science and technology as tools for social good through hands-on workshops and projects. They might design robots that help solve community challenges, use 3D printing to create accessible designs, or tell stories through data that inspire action. Students will also experience a wide spectrum of American civic life, from local grassroots efforts to large-scale public initiatives powered by technology. Each host university is carefully chosen for its unique strengths and learning environment, giving participants the chance to grow as young leaders and connect with peers and mentors.
Cultural and Language Exchange
INSPIRE operates under the concept that the exchange of information, knowledge, and culture benefits everyone. We’re thrilled that through the program, participants will be able to examine American life through visits to technology labs and innovation centers, tours to museums and sites of historical importance, homestay experiences with American host families, and networking opportunities with local community leaders who work on tech-enabled initiatives to create real-world impact. By living with host families, participants will have the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in American culture by experiencing daily life, language, and customs of American families. In turn, participants will also be able to share their own culture with their hosts, allowing for a meaningful and lasting cultural exchange.
Community Service
An important component of STEM learning is applying knowledge in ways that benefit others. During the INSPIRE program, participants will engage in service-learning and volunteer activities that connect science and technology with real-world community needs. Working in teams and guided by university mentors, they will apply creative problem-solving to design practical solutions or contribute to ongoing local initiatives focused on enhancing communities. These experiences will help participants strengthen their leadership and collaboration skills while exploring how STEM innovation can serve society in meaningful and ethical ways.
