The World Affairs Council has been serving high school social-studies teachers and students since 1999. The Council has served over 120 Houston high schools; affecting over 100,000 students and teachers.
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.
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.
This series gives teachers and students the resources to deepen and enrich their knowledge of global energy. Events have included an all-day teacher workshop, Energy in Crisis; in-services at local school districts and state social studies conferences; an all day student energy summitt; and emphasis on energy geopolitics in all programs.
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 four members of the winning team are 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.
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.
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.
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.
In May, the Council awards $2,500 in scholarships, all to one student or divided between two students. The scholarship will be awarded based on financial need, academic ability, character, leadership, and community involvement. The recipient must have a demonstrated interest in international issues and intend to major in a social science related to world affairs like international studies, geography, economics, political science, anthropology, or history. The Council thanks the Greater Texas Foundation for endowing this scholarship.
Bus Reimbursement
The Council offers reimbursement for student transportation to our education programs. If this cost is a barrier to your students' participation in Council events, please fill out this application and contact:
"I am satisfied the good sense of the people is the strongest army our government can ever have, and that it will not fail them." Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 1786. ME 6:31