The Experiment Digital

The Experiment Digital Climate Change and the Environment retains The Experiment’s longstanding model of experiential learning and emphasis on forming meaningful relationships and moves it into the virtual space. Using popular digital platforms for teens like Canvas, Padlet, Flipgrid, and Zoom, our virtual program model gives young people the opportunity to build international friendships online. Peer-to-peer engagement, combined with carefully designed activities, allows students to learn from one another and develop knowledge and attitudes that foster cultural understanding.

Virtual exchanges diversify the learning experience through accessible digital means, enabling an increasing number of young people to enjoy a meaningful intercultural experience as part of their education. 

Experiential Learning Online

• Learning with The Experiment Digital Climate Change and the Environment is challenging and fun. Participants learn how to facilitate digital discussions, lead online dialogues via video chat, and formulate and implement service projects in their local communities. Activities center around bringing students together to navigate scenarios that test their abilities and reflect on lessons learned through collaborative dialogue. Students practice collaborative problem solving, intercultural communication, and digital etiquette—all of which are important in our increasingly globalized world.

Safe and Intimate Small Group Spaces

• The participant to expert facilitator ratio is 5:1. This allows for small group conversations with authentic engagement. Students share their hopes, fears, and discuss important topics such as gender norms and stereotypes. 

Program for Youth Led by Youth

• Our facilitators are program alumni with experience in cultural exchanges. Community Facilitators manage “Neighborhoods” and were selected because of their experience working with youth and facilitating intercultural exchanges. They undergo an intensive month-long training for online facilitation. Peer Mentors, alumni of our previous digital programs, offer another layer of support to participants.

Robust Curriculum to Prepare Future Digital Citizens

• Through interactions with international peers, students practice collaborative problem solving, intercultural communication, and digital etiquette—all of which are important in our increasingly globalized world. 

The Experiment Digital Climate Change and the Environment community is split into smaller groups or “Neighborhoods” and are led by Digital Community Facilitators and Digital Peer Mentors. Within those neighborhoods are smaller groups called “Families.”

The Experiment Digital includes four modules, each two weeks long, and includes various activities, discussions, and tasks—some completed independently and others in a team, with family, or neighborhood groups.

Module 1: Causes of Climate Change

Module 2: Climate Impacts

Module 3: The Extractive Economy & Climate Campaigns

Module 4: Empowerment for a Sustainable Present and Future

• Watch a video to learn how to analyze the root causes of an issue happening in your community (5 minutes).
• Share your perspective on why homelessness is happening in your city and respond to what your peers have shared (15 minutes).
• Post a photo of your favorite store in your city (5 minutes).
• Discuss with your “neighborhood” (a group of 20–25) three of the best items to keep on a sinking boat in order to survive (1 hour).
• Ask a community activist questions about implementing better street cleaning solutions during a live webinar. (1 hour)
• Video chat with your “family” (a small group of 5) and your facilitator on the intersection between gender and peacebuilding. (1 hour)

You are eligible to apply if you:

• Are between the ages of 14–19 years old
• Are currently enrolled in or have not yet completed high school
• Reside in the United States or the LATAM region, including Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
• Have basic English language competency
• Have regular access to the Internet*
• Can devote 2- 4 hours each week to the program

*Internet support may be available upon request.

What do I get from completing the program?

• By participating in The Experiment Digital, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in leadership and global issues analysis, access to the U.S. Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni network, unique project funding opportunities, and a $400 scholarship toward participation in one of The Experiment’s programs around the world.

How do I become a digital facilitator?

• Visit our Become a Digital Facilitator page to learn more.

When does The Experiment Digital take place?

• Programs take place for 8 weeks and will require 2–4 hours of time each week. Most of the work is asynchronous; however, there will be an optional 1-hour synchronous call each week.

How do you select your students?

• During our application review, we look for participants who: (1) Demonstrate a commitment to the program and its goals; (2) Are passionate about developing their leadership and intercultural communication skills; (3) Have an open-minded attitude and are willing to learn from others; (4) Have a strong desire to create social change in their communities; (5) Have not had extensive travel experience.