The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (the Council) is the region’s largest and oldest international affairs nonprofit with a combined 130 years of expertise in connecting Philadelphia to the world.  Fueling the region’s future leaders, the Council offers high school students and schools in the Greater Philadelphia region, an exciting array of educational experiences, in-school curriculum, and diverse programming to create citizen diplomats and international problem solvers. 

Upcoming Programs

Friday, March 22, and Tuesday, March 26, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Drexel University

The Global Economic Forum will simulate a competition for funding, with students presenting innovative solutions to a variety of global issues.  Students will be assigned to one of three subtopic committees, and will be asked to develop policy priorities, and a strong presentation to advocate for their preferred solutions. A panel of judges will hear arguments from each team, and ultimately determine a winning proposal.

April 2024

Citizen Diplomat Academy is a free, direct enrollment virtual high school exchange program.  In this cohort-based model, students from the Greater Philadelphia region meet in live sessions with students around the world over the course of five weeks to become citizen diplomats. Together, they develop key skills including cultural fluency, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and more to increase their comfort, and effectiveness as future leaders in a globalized world.

Past Programs

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Temple University

The World Affairs Council hosts an annual Model Senate program for member high schools to learn about the United States' legislative branch and engage with key issues confronting the nation and world. Participating students will be assigned to roles as senators, expert witnesses and journalists, and will meet to discuss critical legislation confronting Congress and the American people.

November 2023

Citizen Diplomat Academy is a free, direct enrollment virtual high school exchange program.  In this cohort-based model, students from the Greater Philadelphia region meet in live sessions with students around the world over the course of five weeks to become citizen diplomats. Together, they develop key skills including cultural fluency, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and more to increase their comfort, and effectiveness as future leaders in a globalized world.

Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14, 2023

The 2023 Summer Global Leadership Seminar,  is a week-long summer institute open to all rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. 

March 28 and 29, 2023 | 9:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Drexel University

The Global Economic Forum will simulate a competition for funding, with students presenting innovative solutions to a variety of global issues.  Students will be assigned to one of three subtopic committees, and will be asked to develop policy priorities, and a strong presentation to advocate for their preferred solutions. A panel of judges will hear arguments from each team, and ultimately determine a winning proposal.

December 6, 7, and 15, 2022

With an ever increasing focus on the Unite States' legislative branch, the World Affairs Council is excited to host its Model Senate program for high school members. Participating students will be assigned to roles as Senators, Expert Witnesses and journalists, and will meet to discuss critical legislation confronting Congress and the American people. Visit the program webpage for more information on registration, committee topics, and program resources.

iThrive Sim Programming

The Council, in partnership with iThrive Games Foundation, will offer iThrive Sim Programming: a series of innovative, virtual simulations that are facilitated through a web-based, device agnostic platform. The information in these programs changes quickly and forces students to advocate their positions, negotiate, and compromise to take care of both their constituents and the country.

The Council is now offering three iThrive Sim programs for member high schools:
(1) "Lives in Balance" - Students serve as U.S. government officials who must decide when and how to re-open the economies of four Southwestern United States during a global pandemic 
(2) "Leading Through Crisis" - Students play as members of the Crisis Management Team, a group of cabinet-level executives tasked with responding to domestic and international incidents during a time of presidential transition.
(3) "Follow the Facts" - A media literacy simulation forcing students to parse competing information while informing the public of an ongoing crisis. 

iThrive Sim opportunities are scheduled directly with Council Education staff according to member schools' availability and interest. 

High School Membership is Open for the 2023-24 School Year!

Are you an educator interested in bringing the world to your students? Join us as a High School member!



Citizen Diplomat Academy

Spring Session Registration OPEN NOW