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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.

Empowering Philadelphia youth, World Affairs offers the Jr. Model United Nations program where students tackle global issues through diplomacy. For middle schoolers, the Global Smarts Mentoring Program equips them with the knowledge and skills to confidently participate.

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.

Program goals for students involved in the Jr. Model UN program include:
  1. Gaining a deeper understanding of world geography, history, and cultures
  2. Exploring the mission, structure, and function of the United Nations
  3. Applying research and critical thinking skills to specific global issues
  4. Learning to write, debate, and amend resolutions
  5. Understanding the role of diplomacy and deliberation in international affairs
  6. Developing skills in conflict resolution, problem solving, and cross-cultural communication
Registration for the school year kicks off each September!
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STUDENT RESOURCES

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 World Affairs’ 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:

  1. Researching a country’s history, culture, government, economy, etc
  2. Thinking critically and creatively about an issue of global significance (e.g., water scarcity)
  3. Creating a well-constructed opening speech
  4. Learning how to draft a policy resolution

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:   

  • Gesu School
  • Hope Partnership for Education
  • James R. Ludlow School
  • New Foundations Charter School
  • Our Mother of Consolation School
  • Russel Conwell Middle School
  • Shawmont School
  • St. Dominic School
  • St. Mary’s Interparochial School
  • Warren G. Harding Middle School
Take your role as an educator and mentor to new heights by joining World Affairs on our mission to empower students with the competencies required to comprehend and take action on matters of global significance. Global Smarts is more than a program; it’s a catalyst for educational empowerment and global awareness!
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UNITED NATIONS SUMMER CAMP

The United Nations Summer Camp is a weeklong day camp that immerses curious middle school students in the world of global affairs through the United Nations’ perspective.

Camp welcomes all rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders regardless of their familiarity with Jr. Model UN or the United Nations. UN Summer Camp concludes with a full-day field trip to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

Through expert briefings, field trips, and activities, students will:

  • Understand the mission, structure, and function of the United Nations 
  • Practice parliamentary procedure, debating and public speaking skills 
  • Hone key Jr. Model UN skills like conflict resolution, problem solving, and communication 
  • Engage in team-building activities and build friendships 
  • Explore real-life solutions to local and international issues related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

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.

Our 2024 United Nations Summer Camp has concluded; to see our campers’ adventures, you can view our 2024 UN Summer Camp Flicker Album.

For more information, please contact Kate Whitman Kamara, Director of Education Middle School Programs, at kkamara@wacphila.org or at +1 267-802-1230.

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In the beginning of the program I was scared because I have social anxiety and I don't like public speaking. After the program, I still have anxiety, but I can speak clearly and I am more comfortable than before. I also have more knowledge of [public health issues] in different countries.
Nahla C.,7th grade, Hope Partnership for Education
My son loved your program because he discovered a community of kids that are like him in that they have interest in politics, geography, and theory. He has felt very alone at times in school because most of his classmates have other interests. He really liked this camp because he met other kids out there like him, but from a wide range of life experiences. Through your program, he discovered that it can be wonderful to learn together and share ideas.
Catherine D.,Parent of a UN Summer Camp 8th Grade Student
The Global Smarts Mentoring Program provides a way to bridge the gap between under-resourced students and their own potential. Throughout the program, I witnessed my mentees develop diplomatic problem-solving skills, the ability to advocate for themselves and their assigned countries, and their own capacities as agents of change.
Kelsey W.,St. Joseph’s University Global Smarts Mentor
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Global Smarts Celebrates 10 Years

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Discover a world of educational opportunities! Sign up for our mailing list to stay informed about our thoughtfully curated middle school programs.

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LEARN MORE

Discover a world of educational opportunities! Sign up for our mailing list to stay informed about our thoughtfully curated middle school programs.

MAILING LIST SIGN UP
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS

LEARN MORE

Discover a world of educational opportunities! Sign up for our mailing list to stay informed about our thoughtfully curated middle school programs.

MAILING LIST SIGN UP
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS

As the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit, World Affairs opens doors between Philadelphia and the world. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, this is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.

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