MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Explore the most pressing issues of our time through World Affairs’ middle school programs and immerse curious students in the world of international relations, current events, and diplomacy while nurturing critical thinking, research, and interpersonal skills.
A cornerstone of our youth programming is the Jr. Model United Nations — Student Diplomat Program, which has been a dynamic experience empowering Philadelphia-area students to role-play as diplomats from around the world. It allows them to address pressing global issues through creative policy resolutions and impassioned discussions, a tradition dating back to the early years of World Affairs.
No issue is too large or complicated for middle school students with the help of World Affairs’ Global Smarts Mentoring Program — an intensive and rigorous global literacy tutoring initiative available to under-resourced Middle Schools in Philadelphia. Global Smarts pairs college-level student mentors with Jr. Model UN participants, enriching their educational journey and providing middle school students with the tools and skills to engage in diplomatic simulations with confidence.
Expanding our middle school education programs into the summer, the United Nations Summer Camp offers individual students the chance to explore world affairs through activities, simulations, and expert speaker briefings. It’s a unique and immersive experience curated by our dedicated World Affairs staff.
JR. MODEL UNITED NATIONS
GLOBAL SMARTS MENTORING
JR. MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Embark on a transformative five-month journey (January to May) with the Jr. Model United Nations – Student Diplomat Program, where over 750 middle school students from the Greater Philadelphia region dive into the world of international affairs and cultural diplomacy. The journey culminates in May with the Jr. Model UN Final Conference, where students step into the shoes of diplomats and simulate the United Nations General Assembly. This hands-on experience allows them to apply their newfound skills in a real-world context.
This immersive program places a strong emphasis on cultivating students’ research, writing, cultural competency, and communication skills, preparing them for a future where global awareness is paramount. Addressing the increasing demand for global affairs curricula in local middle schools, the program provides a comprehensive and enriching curriculum that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s education landscape.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of world geography, history, and cultures
- Exploring the mission, structure, and function of the United Nations
- Applying research and critical thinking skills to specific global issues
- Learning to write, debate, and amend resolutions
- Understanding the role of diplomacy and deliberation in international affairs
- Developing skills in conflict resolution, problem solving, and cross-cultural communication
GLOBAL SMARTS MENTORING
The Global Smarts Mentoring Program is a grant-supported initiative crafted for middle school students in under-resourced Philadelphia schools. Paired with college-level or adult mentors, students engage in weekly individual and small-group sessions, gaining essential knowledge for active participation in the Council’s annual Jr. Model United Nations Conference.
Since its launch in 2012, Global Smarts has become a beacon of transformative education. It ignites students’ enthusiasm for learning, expands their comprehension of world affairs, and sharpens critical thinking skills to tackle global challenges.
At weekly tutoring sessions, mentors work closely with students to fulfill key Jr. Model United Nations curriculum goals, including:
- Researching a country’s history, culture, government, economy, etc
- Thinking critically and creatively about an issue of global significance (e.g., water scarcity)
- Creating a well-constructed opening speech
- Learning how to draft a policy resolution
Our mentors guide students in honing their oral and written advocacy skills, including public speaking, writing, debating, and ultimately defending a final policy resolution.
They also help students learn how to assume leadership roles within their regional blocs.
The program runs annually from January to May, requiring mentors to commit up to ten hours weekly, both in and out of the classroom, under the guidance of the Council’s Education Department staff. Successful mentors can earn course credit for their impactful participation.
During the 2023-24 academic year, Global Smarts will serve 206 students from 10 schools across the Greater Philadelphia region, including:
- Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School
- Gesu School
- Hope Partnership for Education
- James R. Ludlow School
- New Foundations Charter School
- Our Mother of Consolation School
- Shawmont School
- St. Dominic School
- St. Mary’s Interparochial School
- Warren G. Harding Middle School
UNITED NATIONS SUMMER CAMP
The United Nations Summer Camp is a weeklong day camp for curious middle school students, immersing them in the world of global affairs through the United Nations’ perspective. This program provides an interactive experience with expert briefings, activities, and projects that boost essential skills and foster friendships.
Throughout the week-long summer program, students will embark on a journey of learning the following:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the mission, structure, and function of the United Nations from our trained Model UN facilitators and expert lecturers
- Exploring the mission, structure, and function of the United Nations
- Understand the role of diplomacy and deliberation in international affairs
- Hone key Jr. Model UN skills like conflict resolution, problem solving and cross-cultural communication by participating in public speaking activities
- Engage in team-building activities and practice digital literacy, researching, and public speaking through independent and group activities
- Explore real-life solutions to local and international issues related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Summer Camp journey concludes with a full-day field trip to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Open to rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, this program welcomes all, regardless of familiarity with the United Nations or Model United Nations. Join us for a week of fun, learning, and empowerment!
Registered students will receive access to a curated pre-program resource guide that includes all the resources and materials needed for participation in the program.
To be added to an interest list for the 2024 United Nations Summer Camp, please contact Kate Whitman Kamara, Director of Education Middle School Programs, at kkamara@wacphila.org or at 215-561-4700 ext. 216
