GSF OVERVIEW
Since 2006, the Global Scholars Foundation (GSF) has worked to cultivate a community of globally competent DC public and public charter school students. cultural and language immersion, college readiness, financial literacy programs. Serving 20 students each year, GSF immerses scholars in an 18-month intensive study program – delving deeply into the history and culture of select cities and countries. During the course of the program, students travel to other states within the U.S. and internationally to absorb foreign cultures first hand.
GSF’s goal is to introduce teens in urban areas to global experiences through language and cultural studies as they prepare for college and the workplace. A select group of teens are chosen for this competitive program from all public and public charter schools in the District of Columbia. GSF concentrates on finding a diverse group of DC teenagers who are interested in building their cultural competency, as defined by the National Education Association, through international awareness, appreciation of cultural diversity, proficiency in foreign languages, and competitive skills.
One-of-a-kind Program
Students who successfully complete high school and enter post-secondary education will be faced with an increasingly globalized world. Globalization has had a dramatic impact on the way we live and work in our knowledge-based society. An urgent need exists for an increasingly skilled workforce that is prepared to engage with colleagues and peer institutions from around the world. As such, students in the District of Columbia and throughout the U.S. have to be prepared to become life-long learners who can easily adapt to the challenges of the 21st century workplace.
GSF is the only organization of its kind in the District of Columbia that offers teens a comprehensive program of cultural immersion, coupled with college readiness and financial literacy. Since its establishment in 2006, GSF has sought to increase communication and global competency skills among DC teens, particularly those from low-income and minority communities.
GSF Fellows Gain:
Expanded knowledge about the world’s history, geography, cultures, current and international issues, environmental and economic systems;
Language and cross-cultural skills to communicate effectively with people from other countries and to understand multiple perspectives;
Increased engagement in life-long learning and a stronger commitment to post- secondary education; and
A commitment to become responsible citizens both of the world and their own communities
GSF Commits to:
empowering
Empowering teens to see themselves as change agents locally and globally;
educating
Educating teens about personal financial literacy (e.g., savings, banking, budgeting, and investing);
exposing
Exposing teens to foreign languages and multi-cultural experiences to develop global competency;
exploring
Exploring college preparation and providing support to students through the application process, along with financial assistance, and college visits; and
emerging
As the District’s expert partner and curriculum developer on teen empowerment through the integration of community development and global competency.
