February may be notorious for its fleeting nature and marmot meteorologist, but that doesn't mean there are less community programs and events for you and your students to enjoy this month. Together, let's embrace six more weeks of winter at IRC events. There's an option for everyone: the South Asia Roundtable, the Global Experience at Grunauer, and Cultural Connection Hour every Friday in February with international experts and our partners Global Ties KC. Please visit our calendar for more information. Can't wait to see you there.
Sincerely, Chloe Thomas, Global Education Coordinator cthomas@irckc.org • 816-897-6474
January Highlights Park University Students Speak with Visiting Diplomat
On the evening on January 26, Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Elizabeth Trudeau stopped by Union State to engage with IRC Academy members and Park University students about her diplomatic career. Six Park University students representing Peacebuilding, Nursing, and Secondary Education Departments posed many important questions to Acting Assistant Secretary Trudeau spanning topics such as misinformation and disinformation, climate change, and the realities of being a woman in diplomacy. This intimate program demonstrated that when given a seat at the table, students use their voices to articulate their views on global priorities. Simultaneously, students make the most of their time with global leaders by requesting both transparency and guidance from U.S. officials. These moments are what Global Education is all about and in 2023, the IRC will continue to amplify student voices.
From IRC Spring Program - Academic WorldQuest
A High School Tournament of Global Knowledge
Saturday, April 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT - KU Edwards Campus
Join us for this fun and free event, where Kansas City high school students showcase their knowledge of international politics, history, and world affairs.
Support from our generous sponsors ensures that student and teacher participation in both local and national Academic WorldQuest competitions remains cost-free. Are you interested in sponsoring the event or volunteering? Please view our Sponsorship Menu and contact Chloe Thomas for more information.
Attending High Schools: The Barstow School, Bishop Seabury Academy, Blue Valley North High School, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Blue Valley West High School, Kearney High School, Lansing High School, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Islamic School of Greater Kansas City, Shawnee Mission East High School, Van Horn High School, William Chrisman High School
Thewinning team will earn a cost-free trip to represent our region at the national competition on April 28-29, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
2023 Topics 1. Securing the Future of the World's Wildlife
2. The Arctic Council: Frozen Cooperation
3. Atrocity Prevention and Accountability
4. Combating Global Food Insecurity
5. Economic Sanctions - A Double-Edged Sword
6. Great Decisions
7. Country in Focus: Ethiopia
8. The Future of Supply Chains
9. Battle of the Century: Autocracy vs. Democracy
10. Current Events
Sustaining Sponsors
International Affairs and Institute for
International and Global Engagement
John Lewis Elementary School is Washington D.C.'s first school to receive a WELL Building certification from the International WELL Building Institute. What is that? Read more below!
In Global Education News: Washington D.C.
What's Happening? In January, EducationWeek published article "How this school uses architecture and design to improve mental health" describing how research and innovation can be applied to improve the well-being of humans in any type of building. In this case, physical factors known to contribute to the wellness and happiness of students were used to design and build John Lewis Elementary School, which opened in August 2021.
Who's Behind It? To become WELL Building certified, John Lewis Elementary School was built in accordance with standards set forth by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), an organization that focuses on the relationship between design and health. In their own words, "WELL applies the science of physical and social environments to benefit the health, well-being, and performance of your people." Research around optimal conditions for air, water, temperature, light, and nourishment inform IWBI's design standards which are then used to construct buildings - from schools, to offices, to hotels - that optimize productivity, performance, and well-being.
Why an Elementary School?
Important formative learning is done at elementary schools, and yet, learning and teaching may be difficult in buildings that are outdated and run down. Imagine trying to intellectually, emotionally, and physically grow in a space that is too cold, dark, or dank! When considering these essential spaces, IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgedon says, "There are a myriad of strategies that we have for really improving educational outcomes and for improving... the mental health of students, teachers, and staff." If health is an important prerequisite to learning, then the health of school communities can and should be addressed the moment that students and teachers step in the door. Embedding research and data-driven solutions into building design may be a positive step towards improving every-day moments for members of educational communities.
If you would like to share your thoughts about this article or other global education issues, please email Chloe Thomas, Global Education Coordinator.
From Kansas City and Beyond Opportunities For You and Your Students
Global Ties KC and the IRC: Cultural Connection Hour Every Friday in February, the IRC will be teaming up with Global Ties KC to meet and hear from leaders from around the world. Buy tickets here! February 10: Open World Corporate Social Responsibility Leaders from Moldova February 17: Edward R. Murrow Journalism- U.S. Foreign Policy from the Middle East and North Africa February 24: Pan-African Youth Leadership Program All-Star Alumni
American Foreign Service Association: High School Essay Contest Students can now submit their essays for a chance to win the first place prize of $2,500, a trip to Washington D.C., and a full scholarship to the Semester at Sea program! This year's essay requires students to describe how the Foreign Service has been successful or unsuccessful in advancing U.S. foreign policy goals in one country and what actions can be taken to advance U.S. goals moving forward. The application deadline is April 3. For more information, click here.
KU's STARTALK Arabic Program 2023 STARTALK is a federal grant program funded by the National Security Agency that supports innovative programs with strong language learning outcomes for K-14 learners in the following critical needs languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, and Russian. KU will be hosting a free Arabic summer institute with pre and post-camp outreach activities during the spring and fall. Find more information about applying here.
