Home > Education Homepage > The William R. Sasso, Esq. Student Diplomat Program for Middle Schools

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Learning about Cultures, Current Issues, and the United Nations The Student Diplomat Program is a year-long enriching and academically challenging journey that introduces middle school students to the world of international relations and diplomacy.

Junior Model UN Junior Model UN Preparatory Conference Faculty Sponsor Dinner

Program goals for students include:

• Gaining an understanding of world cultures
• Exploring the mission and workings of the United Nations
• Learning about and applying critical thinking skills to global issues
• Developing academic skills (in reading, writing, speaking and listening) as well as leadership skills (teambuilding and problem solving), all of which are aligned with State Academic Standards

2008 TOPICS

Access to Education
New Challenges in U.N. Peace Keeping Operations

• Country and Culture Profile Worksheet
• Country and Culture Program Handout

Summary of Program Activities

Activity 1: "A World of Cultures" Conference at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Students are introduced to "a world of cultures" through collaborative presentations done by Council and Art Museum Education Departments in a large group setting followed by small group guided tours.

Activity 2: The United Nations and You: An In-School Study Tour
The Model U.N. Handbook with Teacher's Guide and the Country/Culture Profile activity sheets are distributed to schools shortly after they register for the program. These teacher-guided activities about the U.N. and the cultures of its member nations are an integral part of student preparation for Model U.N.

Activity 3: The Prep Conference
This activity involves a field trip to the University of Pennsylvania where students will learn from expert speakers about the topics they will debate at the Model U.N. Conference. Lessons on public speaking and resolution writing are also part of this day's program.

Activity 4: Resolutions — Research and Writing for the Model U.N. Lessons that develop skills for successful participation.

Activity 5: The Model United Nations Conference
Students will return to the University of Pennsylvania for a full-day simulation of the U.N. General Assembly. There, they will role-play as diplomats, participate in debates and vote on resolutions.

Archived 2007 Program Information

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