Testimonials
Your work to promote knowledge of international affairs among students is commendable. The World Affairs Challenge is a unique way to develop critical thinking, leadership and professional skills that will benefit their future educational endeavors. Thank you for helping to educate and engage our youth in world affairs. - Congresswoman Betty McCollum
The program really pushed kids to think outside the box. To really pull their research skills together and organize information into a cohesive presentation. It brought out a variety of skills in different students; they started to learn to use their strengths to complement their group. - Coach
The multifaceted skill-building and knowledge building activities combined into this program are exceptional. - Judge
Preparing the FP with my group was a really fun experience. Cramming for the global awareness quiz was fun and educational too. - Student
I enjoyed the students taking responsibility for their work. I coached, not taught. This way my teacher dream to see my students “taking off” with their research and putting this into their presentation and poster. They also enjoyed keeping up with current issues. - Coach
It’s a phenomenal program. It guides them to thinking in a quite different way. It takes courage and they learn a huge amount. I’d like to see this as part of the curricula in more schools. - Judge
The CQ was a good experience because it helped us relate with other people and respect their opinions and perspectives. - Student
This was a great experience for me! I was glad that I was a proctor because I had the chance to spend some time with the students that wasn't "scheduled time." One of the team member's parents are from the Jampaling Settlement Camp (for Tibetan Refugees) in Nepal where I lived and worked for about 2 weeks last year in November (at the time of the U.S. Presidential election). Being there for the group's presentation and then spending time with the Tibetan student was a very powerful experience for me. Thanks for all that you did to facilitate this great learning experience! I'd love to come back next year. - Proctor
I loved being a judge. It is so fun and inspiring to spend the day with these creative and passionate young students, listening to their ideas and learning from their presentations. They are so insightful, thoughtful and creative (and enthusiastic!) - Judge
Judge Interview: Robert Lilligren, Minneapolis City Council
Coach Interview: Lucretia Jeffers, Metcalf Junior High
Student Interview: Mary Falowo, North View Junior High
Read excerpts from scholarship essays about why students participated in the World Affairs Challenge