High School Programs

Our comprehensive Garrison Leadership High School programs provide 2,000 students from more than 60 Philadelphia-area schools with opportunities to learn from and with each other in a diverse and challenging environment. Students participate in a variety of international affairs-centered programs with the aim of encouraging globally competitive skills, including oral and written advocacy, critical thinking, increased cultural and political awareness and a keener sense of diplomacy and collaboration. Generous membership-supported scholarships allow students to attend many of our public programs at no cost. These programs often feature high-level elected officials, corporate and civic leaders as well as national print and broadcast journalists. On occasion, students will be afforded a private meeting with a guest speaker. Learn more about our high school programs and how you can get involved.

Middle School Programs

The William R. Sasso Student Diplomat Program for Middle Schools guides students through a year-long, comprehensive journey into the world of international relations and diplomacy. Program participants explore the intersections of culture, global affairs and multilateral organizations, like the United Nations. The Council works with over 600 students and 30 schools throughout the Delaware Valley region. Learn more about the William R. Sasso Student Diplomat Program for Middle Schools.

Programs for Teachers

Our long-standing relationships with local educators contribute greatly to the enormous success of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia's education programs. Over the years, we have offered a number of workshops, fellowships and other programs specifically geared towards educating primary and secondary school teachers on issues of cultural, political and international significance. We work closely with community cultural organizations and local universities to provide the most comprehensive, educationally stimulating and engaging teacher programs available.

Okumus/ TAFSUS Turkey Fellowship Program
Through the generosity of the Okumus Family and the Turkish American Friendship Society of the United States (TAFSUS), the Council has awarded partial fellowships to over fifty teachers over the past eight summers to travel to Turkey. Upon acceptance into the program, fellows attend preparatory and follow-up sessions at the Council in conjunction with the trip. Click here for the 2010 Turkey Fellowship application.

Stay tuned for further details about this and other teacher programs in the coming months.

William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs

Founded in 1981 as a partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and the World Affairs Council, Bodine High School is a small, special admission school that offers a humanities-centered college preparatory program. Bodine High School now ranks as one of the top public schools in the nation and offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate diploma. Ninety-five percent of all graduating seniors go on to pursue a two-year or four-year post-secondary education. Bodine High School students routinely participate in all of our programs.

Bodine one of five local schools among nation's best, September 2009. Read more >>