- High School/Grades 9-12
WorldDenver’s World Affairs Challenge Virtual Exchange serves youth ages 14-17 in the state of Colorado and the Middle East and North Africa through an online, mobile-accessible exchange in which bi-national student teams of six to ten participants learn and practice leadership development, cross-cultural communication, and project management.
Participant teams address a problem in their communities connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and create a solution to present in video format. Students are also encouraged to connect with their group and other exchange participants through asynchronous messaging channels and personal social media.
Activities
Participants engage with their international counterparts to address problems in their communities using the online platform, including but not limited to collaborative meetings, journal reflections, and independent work/research. While students and their facilitator meet weekly to complete the synchronous (live) activities, this exchange allows for flexibility of participant schedules throughout the program by providing a majority of programming through asynchronous activities. Students develop their leadership skills and intercultural awareness through the curriculum and are encouraged to connect with fellow program participants on social media and by sharing their everyday life experiences.
Program Details
- Number of Participants: 240
- Participant Age Group: High School/Grades 9-12
- Partners in the United States: Colorado – Real World Solutions, Alameda International Senior High School, Harrison High School, Denver Center for International Studies at Montebello, Denver Center for International Studies (Baker Campus), Lester Arnold High School, Adams City High School, Girls Athletic Leadership School
- Partners in the Middle East and North Africa: Iraq – Ishtar; Israel – Retorika for Multiculturalism; Morocco – AFCD Foundation, World Merit Morocco
- Project Duration: April 2021– June 2023
If you are interested in sharing about this program with young people you serve, complete this form.
World Affairs Challenge Virtual Exchange is implemented by WorldDenver and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.