2026-2027 Global Scholars Certificate Program Registration

What is the Global Scholars Certificate Program?

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Global Scholars Certificate Program is an exciting opportunity open to all 11th–12th grade students across the Greater Philadelphia region, including suburbs in PA and NJ. This free certificate program recognizes students who have demonstrated cross-cultural awareness, global understanding, and engagement in their school and community.

To complete the program and be invited to the Capstone Presentation, students must meet the following requirements:

Social Studies: Complete at least three Social Studies courses, such as World History, Geography, or U.S. Government.
Electives: Complete at least three elective courses. Globally focused electives are encouraged but not required. Examples include World Languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.), International Cultures, and World Literature.
Youth Programs & Extracurriculars: Participate in at least one World Affairs Council youth program and at least two additional extracurricular activities through your school or local community. Examples include student government, cultural events, school- or organization-sponsored international travel, and other community activities. Learn more about World Affairs’ youth programs here.
Community Service (Optional): Engage in community service, such as volunteering at a local food bank, serving as a school ambassador, or helping clean up a local park. For example, you can participate in our Youth Diplomats volunteer program.
Capstone Project: Complete a Capstone Project focused on a global topic of your choosing. Students will develop and present their projects as the culminating experience of the Global Scholars Certificate Program.

Past Capstone Projects have explored topics such as The Global Impacts of Fast Fashion, K-Pop: A Global Phenomenon, and Social Commentary in Foreign Films.

Why should you become a Global Scholar?

Students who successfully complete the Global Scholars Certificated Program will gain valuable experience, skills, and recognition that can support their academic, college, and career goals, including:

College and Career Preparation: Develop and demonstrate skills in research, critical thinking, communication, and engagement with global issues.
Communication and Presentation Skills: Build confidence in communicating ideas and presenting to an audience.
Capstone Project Experience: Research a global topic of personal interest and develop, present, and receive an evaluation of a Capstone Project.
Official Recognition: Receive a Global Scholars Certificate and recognition letter upon successful completion of the program.
Graduation Recognition: Receive a Global Scholars graduation cord to wear at commencement.
Media and Public Recognition: Opportunities for students and their achievements to be

Global Scholars Registration

Basic Information

First Name

Last Name

Grade

11th Grade12th GradeNote: This program is intended for high school upperclassmen

School Email

Personal Email

Please provide an additional email that is not connected to your school

Cell Phone

Please provide your personal phone number, as we will use this to contact you directly with important updates.

Home Phone

Home Address

State

Zip Code

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Full Name

Parent/Guardian Email

Parent/Guardian Phone

Have you spoken to your parent/guardian about participating in this program?

YesNo

School Information

School Name

School Address

State

Zip Code

Does your school have a World Affairs club?

YesNoUnsure

Global Scholars Faculty Sponsor

Each applicant is asked to identify a Faculty Sponsor who can support their participation in the Global Scholars Certificate Program. The Faculty Sponsor should ideally be a teacher, counselor, or other school-based educator who is familiar with the student and can support them throughout the program, including with their Capstone Project.

A parent/guardian or other adult may serve as a sponsor if a school-based faculty member is not available.

Students should obtain permission from their proposed Faculty Sponsor before listing them on this application. The Faculty Sponsor will be copied on relevant communications regarding the student's application and participation in the Global Scholars Certificate Program.

We ask that each Global Scholars applicant confirm permission with their proposed Faculty Sponsor about listing them in support of their application.

Yes, I have received permission to list the following person as a Faculty Sponsor in support of my Global Scholars application

Faculty Sponsor Information

Salutation

Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.

First Name

Last Name

Title or Relation to Student Applicant

Alternative Email

Preferred Phone

This can be a cell or work phone number. DO NOT LIST THE STUDENT APPLICANT'S NUMBER

Global Scholars Information Session

World Affairs will be holding information sessions about the Global Scholars Certificate program on Thursday, October 22, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (In-Person) and Tuesday, October 27, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Virtual). These sessions will provide additional information about the program, as well as provide an opportunity to answer any questions about the Global Scholars Certificate Program.

Are you available to attend the Global Scholars Certificate information session?

YesNo

Please indicate which information session you are available to attend.

Thursday October 22, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (In-Person at World Affairs Office)Tuesday, October 27, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Virtual)I am unavailable for both datesNote: We will have FIFA Swag giveaways at the October 22nd In-Person session.

Global Scholars Application Timeline

This initial enrollment for Global Scholars application will be open until December 21, 2026. This application does not guarantee acceptance into the Global Scholars Certificate program.

If you have any questions about the next steps process for the Global Scholars Certificate program, please email us at youthprograms@wacphila.org.