Top Image Caption: High school student Jacquelin G. of Bodine High School for International Affairs delivers her capstone project on “Impacts of Social Media on Teenagers’ Mental Health.”
WORLD AFFAIRS: YOUTH PROGRAMS
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia recognized its second graduating class during its annual Global Scholars Capstone Day, held at the TGR Learning Lab in Philadelphia.
A cohort of students from fifteen high schools across Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs presented thoughtful and well-prepared capstone projects to panels of judges.
World Affairs recognized the following students from area high schools:
- Bodine High School for International Affairs: Erich B., Jacquelin G., Layla I., Genesis V., Madison P.
- George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science: Mouhamadou T.
- Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School: Molly P.
- Haverford High School: Beatriz C., Adeline H., Catherine K., Zeynep O.
- Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School: Eoin D.
- Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School: Nala G.
- Philadelphia Classical School: John B.
- Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: Karma A.
- Princeton High School: Elena P.
- Springfield High School: Minnah Q..
- Springside Chestnut Hill Academy: Jiacheng (Richard) L., Clare M., Sienna S.
- Upper Darby High School: Khandakar M.
- Upper Dublin High School: Emmanuelle K.
- William Penn Charter School: Holden S.
- Wyomissing Area Junior Senion High School: Melina C.
Global Scholars is a free certificate program offered to high school juniors and seniors, who demonstrate a commitment to global affairs and cross-cultural awareness and who live in Greater Philadelphia.
Students must meet certain criteria to enroll and graduate from the program, including completed social studies and elective courses, extracurriculars, community service, and a capstone project. This program prepares youth to enter a globally connected workforce, where 74% of economic growth and over 95% of the world’s population lie outside of the U.S.
For more information and to pre-register for next year’s program, high school students can visit our Global Scholars Certificate Program page and click the “pre-registration” link.
As the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit, World Affairs is committed to expanding access to global and civic education and leadership opportunities for the next generation of Philadelphians. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, World Affairs is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.
World Affairs extends a sincere thanks to our lead sponsor, John Lazarich Foundation and presenting seed sponsor, Monica McGrath, for their generous support in making this impactful program possible.
A special thank you to our partners, including our venue host and event partner: TGR Learning Lab; and our organizational partners in education opportunities: The School District of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia. This program was funded in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
Finally, thank you to our Capstone guest judges and Global Scholar advisors for their dedication and service to our students.
Photos from the April 18 event are available here for download. Photo credit: World Affairs Staff
Media inquiries, interview requests, and story-related questions may be directed to Heather Knopf, Director of Communications, at hknopf@wacphila.org or 267-802-1241.