Student Ambassador Program
Cultural Competency and International Speaker Visits
November 2011 – May 2012

May 3, 2012

Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, knowledge and understanding of other cultures is becoming more essential.

The Student Ambassador Program capitalizes on middle school students’ inherent curiosity to increase their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of world cultures and global issues. By connecting schools with Pittsburgh’s global community, the program is able to enhance student’s cultural competency.

Students will broaden their knowledge of global cultures, geography, and current events around the world. This program is an excellent compliment to diversity initiatives and anti-bullying campaigns and will help engage your students in the world around them.

What is the Student Ambassador Program?
The Student Ambassador Program is a comprehensive global education program for middle schools in the Pittsburgh region. Established by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh in 2006, the Student Ambassador Program will be offered as a partnership program involving the University of Pittsburgh’s Global Studies Center as well as Global Solutions Pittsburgh in the 2011-2012 school year.

This program is for middle school students and their teachers. The program menu consists of a Teacher Workshop for middle school teachers, a school visit on Cultural Competency, an International Speaker school visit, and the culminating Student Ambassador Conference for student leaders. Participating schools are provided with an extensive resource guide and support throughout the program.

Following the program, students complete projects to share their newfound global knowledge.

Who participates in this program?
Twenty-three middle schools from Pittsburgh and surrounding areas participated in the program last year, which reached nearly 1,300 students. Social studies, gifted, world language, English, and art teachers alike can find their curricula enhanced through involvement in this program. All students, particularly those who do not usually have the opportunity to experience global cultures, will benefit from participation. Space is limited to 30 schools for the 2011-2012 school year.

How much does the program cost?
The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh’s Global Studies Center, and Global Solutions Pittsburgh believe global education is essential for all students. Therefore, this program is offered free of charge for middle schoolers and teachers in the Pittsburgh region. Schools will need to cover transportation to and from the Conference.

When is the Program?
The Student Ambassador Program runs throughout the academic year. The Teacher Workshop was held Monday, September 26, 2011. Cultural Competency visits will start in October, and International Speaker visits will run December through late April. Visits can be arranged around busy school and testing schedules.

The Program culminates in the Student Ambassador Conference on Thursday, May 3, 2012 on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Participating schools will have the option to tour the Nationality Rooms following the Conference.

Program Menu
The Student Ambassador Program is designed to be flexible and responsive to schools’ needs, therefore all menu items are available to participating schools. It is recommended that schools participate in all components of the program. However, in recognition of busy school schedules and restricted budgets, schools are able to select the components they would like to participate in. All first-time schools are required to participate in the Teacher Workshop.

Teacher Workshop (Completed)

Cultural Competency Visit (Starting in October)
During this visit to your school, students will hear from partnering organization staff who will discuss the importance of cultural competence and engage students in a number of activities to prepare them to interact in a globalized world. Students will also reflect on their own culture and deconstruct cultural stereotypes.

International Speaker Visit (December through April)
During this visit to your school, an international speaker specially chosen for your students will discuss his or her country and culture and engage students in cultural activities. Previous presentations have included music, dance, art, language, and stories from around the world. Many students comment that their previous impressions and stereotypes are transformed through this visit.

Student Ambassador Conference May 3, 2012, 9:00-11:30 a.m., University of Pittsburgh (Registration Full)
The Student Ambassador Conference is the culminating event for the program year and serves as a reward for Student Ambassadors. At the Conference, students will see a performance, hear from a keynote speaker, and have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions with international speakers who will engage students in a cultural learning exercise or activity. Following the Conference, Student Ambassadors and teachers will have the option of taking a complimentary guided tour of the Nationality Rooms. The Conference is limited to 350 student leaders — usually 5-15 students per participating school. Further details will be available in the spring term.

Student Ambassador Program Resources
Click here for the latest information about this program. Other resources can be found by clicking here.

Please contact Amiena Mahsoob, Deputy Director, Education Programs, at amiena@worldpittsburgh.org for more information.