Top Image Caption: High school students at the final presentation of World Affairs’ Global Economic Forum (GEF). GEF is a high school role playing program focused on the creation, presentation, and marketing of policy solutions to pressing issues facing the global community.
WORLD AFFAIRS: YOUTH PROGRAMS
Honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of civic ideals, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is empowering the next generation of global citizens and leaders. Today, demand for World Affairs’ youth education programs is stronger than ever. Over the past year, student program engagement increased by nearly 20%, and high school enrollment rose by more than 35%, a milestone year for the nonpartisan, international nonprofit *.
Carrying Democracy Forward
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Philadelphians are reminded of our city’s pivotal role in shaping America. Proudly recognized as the birthplace of democracy, Philadelphia hosted both the First and Second Continental Congresses and, in 1787, the U.S. Constitution was drafted and signed at Independence Hall (formerly the Pennsylvania State House).
Though the pursuit toward a “more perfect union” has always been imperfect, Philadelphia has long stood at the center of democratic ideals, self-governance, civic transformation, and debate. Today, World Affairs proudly continues that tradition by investing in education, which prepares the next generation to lead.
Youth Programming: Where Global Citizens Are Made
Youth Programming at World Affairs is where the world becomes accessible and where global citizens are made. Since the 1950s, these programs have prepared generations of young people as civically minded citizens, who develop essential skills in critical thinking, global awareness, problem-solving, civil discourse, public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. For some alumni, these programs provide a foundation and springboard to globally connected careers, as well as leadership roles in government and public policy.
Each year, approximately 3,000 middle and high school students from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware engage with World Affairs by either enrolling in their youth education programs and/or participating in their events **. Partnering with nearly 100 schools, including public, private, parochial, and homeschooled cohorts, the programs serve a diverse student body, comprised of 50% students of color. Committed to accessibility, World Affairs offers sliding scholarships, enabling the 40% of its student body from low-to-moderate-income families to participate.
Students’ favorite programs include Jr. Model United Nations and United Nations Summer Camp for middle schoolers; and for high schoolers, Model Senate, Global Economic Forum, and Summer Global Leadership Seminar. Offering free virtual exchanges with Philadelphia’s Sister Cities is a program called Citizen Diplomat Academy, which runs year-round and is rapidly growing in popularity. For a full list of programs, visit World Affairs’ Youth Programming.
In Their Own Words: Students & Teachers
“I went into this [Jr. Model UN] pretty nervous and confused but ended up having a really fun time! I felt confident and included throughout the whole meeting and really enjoyed the overall experience. I cannot wait for my upcoming years in Model UN!” – 7th grade student, Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School, Maple Glen, PA
“I appreciate that this program [Global Economic Forum] allowed me to hone my research and communication skills. I also appreciate that I was able to collaborate with others to work on a proposal for a global issue I care about.” – 11th grade student, Northeast High School, Philadelphia, PA
“This program [Global Economic Forum] does a fine job of preparing young men and women to step out of their comfort zone and forcing themselves to speak up if they want to be heard. It is an important skill that is not taught in a standard classroom, but is crucial in the real world.” – 12th grade student, Cinnaminson High School, Cinnaminson, NJ
“The Model UN program has opened a global door to a closed neighborhood. Often, I struggle to get my students to understand their place in the world outside Philadelphia, or even their neighborhood. Participating in this program has opened up the world for my students who never previously gave a thought to life outside their city.” – Middle School Faculty Advisor, Amanda Chandler, Warren G. Harding Middle School, Philadelphia, PA
“World Affairs allows my students to have a voice on political issues. Normally, their opinion may not have been heard in other avenues. World Affairs provides a platform for them to observe, learn, and engage.” – High School Teacher, Zaid Muhammad, Teacher, Parkway Center City Middle College, Philadelphia, PA
What’s Next in 2026
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a historic year. Philadelphia will play a central role in celebrating America’s 250th birthday, and World Affairs will work alongside citywide partners to prepare our city to host the world with confidence. Key initiatives include free cultural diplomacy trainings, chairing the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Global Engagement Committee—and our organization will deploy an estimated 350 Youth Ambassadors across the city, powered by high school student volunteers, ages 14 to 18.
As the city that helped define democracy, Philadelphia will once again lead, with World Affairs guiding the way toward a landmark year ahead.
* Growth data is based on students enrolled in World Affairs’ Youth Program for fiscal years: FY24 (7/1/23 to 6/30/24) to FY25 (7/1/24 to 6/30/25).
** Data is based upon a 3-year student enrollment and participation average with World Affairs’ Youth Programs.
In her leadership role at World Affairs—the largest and longest-running international nonprofit in the Philadelphia region —Kristin Hutchinson, VP of Education, oversees the Youth Programs, which engage the next generation of globally minded youth through interactive role-playing conferences, international exchanges, and experiences that spark debate, discourse, and new perspectives on global and local issues.
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.
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.