Global Leadership Certificate Cultivating Future Global Leaders

What is the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh? We are a non-partisan, non-profit organization playing a vital role in shaping Pittsburgh’s global identity through school and community engagement in international politics, finance, science, sustainability, culture, and the arts. We help build bridges among Pittsburgh’s businesses, young and mid-career professionals, students, educators, and community members. Each year, we reach over 8,000 students and teachers in over 200 schools and our programs continue to grow every year as the Pittsburgh region reshapes its global identity and becomes a thriving, multifaceted city.

What is the Global Leadership Certificate? The Global Leadership Certificate is a multi-year program designed to increase student knowledge and involvement in global affairs, while providing a means for them to sharpen their leadership skills. Student-centered with a focus on experiential learning, the Certificate provides high school students from diverse communities an opportunity to participate in global education activities in a highly collaborative space.

Global Leadership Certificate Program Requirements Students must: Complete 6 World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh experiences Join an online learning community and complete a short course on Schoology (a learning management system) Complete a final capstone project

A Selection of Student Activities and Experiences Expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for Save the Children Advocacy Summit Learning about careers in social entrepreneurism with author and founder of Kiva.org, Jessica Jackley Meeting Mayor Peduto at a luncheon at the Fairmont on climate change Other activities include: volunteering at Global Links, learning about international careers in an apprenticeship program, cultural nights, studying abroad, and additional globally-focused experiences.

What are the Program Benefits? Global Leadership Certificate students gain: An increased engagement with global issues and perspectives outside of their own. Effective communication and leadership skills. Networking opportunities with peers and local international organizations. Access to information about scholarships, travel, and conference opportunities. Enhanced knowledge and exposure to international career options. Experience working in a highly collaborative atmosphere that is open to global perspectives.

Program Incentives The Council offers an incentive structure aimed to engage and motivate students who demonstrate a deep commitment to global issues through the work they complete in their first year as a Certificate student. These include: Mentorship International Travel Domestic Travel

International Travel Domestic Travel In the past 12 years, 118 high school juniors from underserved schools have traveled abroad on the Council’s needs-based Global Travel Scholarship (GTS). This past summer, 5 students traveled to Morocco, Japan, Germany, Korea, and South Africa. The GTS is done in partnership with The Experiment in International Living, an organization with an over 80-year history of innovative leadership in international, cross-cultural programs for youth. The Experiment offers programs in 33 countries, all of which include service learning, homestays, and intercultural learning in small and diverse groups of high school students. Domestic Travel The Council has expanded travel opportunities to include domestic options. Each summer, a small cohort of Certificate students will be selected to travel to New York City or Washington, D.C. for a 5-day internationalization experience. Their trip will include: visits to cultural institutions, embassies, think tanks, and Capitol Hill.

Program Statistics Current enrollment: 181 students from 25 schools Program grew from 45 students in 2014-2015, to 181 in 2015-2016 Expected growth for 2016-2017: 300 students Counties represented: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, and Westmoreland Goal for 2016-2017: Expanding the Global Leadership Certificate in underserved schools in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas

Contact Information For questions about the Global Leadership Certificate program, please contact: Amiena Mahsoob Director of Education Programs amiena@worldpittsburgh.org 412-281-7973 And visit us at: worldpittsburgh.org