Mission

The education program of the World Affairs Council helps young people learn how international events affect their lives, communities, and country. We strive to engage students to become effective citizens here and in the global community.

Objectives

  • To inform young minds about international issues through interactive programs
  • To prepare our work force to participate effectively in the global economy
  • To discuss global issues involving students, educators, and companies in our Houston communities
  • To prepare our youth for their role as future leaders

Components


Academic WorldQuest

Students put their world affairs knowledge to the test in this fun, fast-paced, quiz of international facts. Student teams from across Houston compete, and the winning team is sent, all expenses paid, to Washington, D.C. to compete nationally. Houston teams have won the National competition on two occasions; Kinkaid School in 2003 and Stratford & Bellaire in 2004.


Conversations with History

This forum is an opportunity for a small group of student leaders to meet and interview people of historical significance. Speakers have included Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; General Colin Powell; and Lech Walesa, former President of Poland.


Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank

Educators' Forum

A monthly seminar for teachers on select international topics, guided by experts from leading research centers and universities. Lesson plans and reference materials are furnished with each event. Gifted-and-talented credit hours are submitted for approval by the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented.


Foreign Language Symposiums

The theme lunches are held in the specified language and include a speaker and student entertainment. The goal is to recognize students for learning a new language and to acknowledge teachers who nurture these interests.


Global Ambassadors

This series brings university students to 6th-12th grade classrooms to speak about their experiences studying abroad. Its goal is to expand students' knowledge of world cultures through a first-person presentation.


Global Energy Initiative

The Independent Petroleum Association of America has given us the resources to deepen and enrich programs on global energy. Events have included an all-day teacher workshop, Energy in Crisis; in-services at local school districts and state social studies conferences; and emphasis on energy geopolitics in all programs.


Global Issues in Depth 

This full-day workshop provides substantive professional development on current global issues. Past workshops have included Energy in Crisis, India on the Modern World Stage, and the "Axis of Evil" 5 years later: Inside Iran, Iraq, and North Korea.


Global Issues Summer Institute

Teachers gain a deeper understanding of contemporary global issues at this annual July event. Sessions bring leading experts and master teachers together to cover the most compelling issues of the day.  This week-long institute also provides an opportunity for teachers to share classroom experiences and teaching techniques.


International Extravaganza

Held during International Education Week, this event celebrates Houston’s commitment to international education. The carnival-like set up has two components: “The World Bazaar,” where students exhibit their “Portraits” of a country, and “International Alley,” where various Houston-based international organizations and study-abroad offices exhibit and inform students of opportunities available to them. The event is complete with a speaker and a multicultural performance. 


International Economics Series

A forum for post-secondary students and educators to learn about the convergence of economies and societies.  Topics examine the opportunities and complexities of the world's economy.


Anders Aslund, Peterson Institute of International Economics


International Travel

An opportunity for teacher fellows to travel overseas for in-depth study, complete with pre- and post-trip briefings. Since 2005, teacher fellows have traveled, all expenses paid, to China, Vietnam & Cambodia, Turkey, Russia, and India.


Noon Briefings

An opportunity for small school groups to attend informative, luncheon briefings. Speakers have included Robert Rubin, former Secretary of the Treasury; Cokie Roberts, journalist; and William Cohen, former Secretary of Defense.


Resources for Teachers

Our teacher resources include a curriculum support library at the Council, and a website, complete with compilations of internet resources, curriculum resources on the web, and more.


Speaker to School Series

The Council will bring experts into Houston-area colleges, universities, and high school classrooms for an in-depth discussion of global topics. Speakers have included Ed Peck, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq; Maura Harty, U.S. Department of State; and H.E. Bader Omar Al-Dafa, Qatari Ambassador to the U.S.


Gabriella Megyesi, Economic Thinking


World Cultures Summit
 

This is an exciting and interactive three-hour event that brings world cultures alive for 6th graders. Students have an international adventure by visiting exhibit booths and traveling "Around the World in 80 minutes" in a fact-finding scavenger hunt.


World Affairs Scholar


This scholarship is awarded based on financial need, academic ability, character, leadership, and community involvement.

Young Leaders' Forum

A speaker series for students and educators, provides a forum for the discussion of international issues and puts students in direct touch with world leaders. Speakers have included Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State; Daniel Yergin, Author of Commanding Heights; and Corazon Aquino, Former President of the Philippines.


Karim Sadjapour, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Approaching Iran


Constituency
The education program provides its services free of charge to all secondary, college, and university students and teachers in the metropolitan area, many of whom would not otherwise be exposed to these opportunities. Our participants represent every race, ethnic and socio-economic status. This diversity adds depth and cultural understanding for students and teachers.

In the 2005-2006 academic year, the education program served over 120 secondary schools, colleges, and universities. The impact of our education programs through teacher education and student participation annually reaches over 100,000 Houston students.

Demonstrated Success
The World Affairs Council and the education program has numerous awards for its contribution to education. The Council was recognized by the City of Houston for its commitment to "Increasing Foreign Policy and Security Issues Awareness in the City of Houston." The education program was honored by the Texas Council for the Humanities with the "James F. Veninga Excellence in the Humanities Award," and by Spring Branch Education Association with its "Red Apple Award."

 

Calendar
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Programs
Resources
Lesson Plans
Internships
Sponsors
Gifts to Schools


Global Energy Initiative

Lectures, field trips, teacher workshops, resource materials, lesson plans, energy links, and more - everything you need to gain a balanced understanding of today's critical energy issues.



For more information contact:
Education Department
edu@wachouston.org  
(713) 316-4475

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"World Affairs Councils have served our nation by educating our public and stimulating informed debate on the complex issues we face. With the Cold War ended and a new era upon us your role as citizens is even more important. As we seek to meet the challenges of this momentous period of change, I congratulate all of you for this important work."

Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States