Global Scholar Certificate Program Launched in Upper School
Tower Hill is launching a new Global Scholar Certificate Program with academic and extracurricular components to encourage global competence, leadership and cultural growth. This Upper School program, which begins in the 2016-2017 school year, gives students opportunities to explore global dynamics through academic coursework, language proficiency, travel, a senior project, and extracurricular activities and service with a worldwide focus.
“We want our students to be conscientious, global citizens with a broad outlook that extends beyond their individual experiences,” Director of Global Initiatives Eduardo Silva said. “It’s about the student not only understanding who they are at home, but also who that person can be around the world. The Global Scholar Certificate Program is a way to systematically track and recognize students who go above and beyond in this realm.”
Students will immerse themselves one of Tower Hill’s language offerings — Mandarin, Spanish, French or Latin — to take at least seven semesters. In addition, they will take on four additional papers or projects related to global inquiry during electives taken in the junior and senior year. For example, they could investigate water purification systems for developing nations in chemistry class; wind power solutions in physics; vaccination policies in health; or the ramifications of the refugee crisis in history class.
“The options are varied and can be tailored to each student, so that they can explore any of their own interests from a global perspective,” Silva said.
In addition to the academic requirements, students will:
- Participate in an approved extracurricular activity for a minimum of three years, ranging from the Bollywood and Chinese Culture clubs to Model United Nations and Young Democrats/Republicans
- Take part in a service-learning project, such as tutoring in a foreign language, volunteering where language skills are a necessary component of the task or volunteering with an organization that is global in nature.
- Participate in an international or domestic travel experience sponsored by Tower Hill, with current offerings including France, Italy, Australia, Costa Rica and possibly Tanzania next year
- Prepare a presentation for Middle School students about global health issues
"The Global Scholar Certificate Program embodies everything that I am interested in—exploring languages and cultures, addressing global heath issues, and helping others," Emily Yin '17 said. "I thoroughly enjoy learning languages and believe that being multi-lingual is a paramount skill to have as our world becomes more connected as a result of endless technological innovation."
Throughout their senior year, students will complete a culminating portfolio focusing on a global issue that will include research, self-reflection and an oral presentation. The director of global initiatives and a panel of faculty and staff will evaluate each portfolio.
Participating students will receive a global scholar certificate and a notation on their transcripts. To apply, student must be interviewed and explain why they are interested in the program, what they hope to learn, and what in their opinion makes a person a global citizen.
“I plan on majoring in either political science or foreign affairs, with a minor in economics and government,” Rory Britt ’18 said. “I hope to use these skills to help me become a better member of society, and to use them to better my career, whether I end up in the U.S. making laws for people or around the world representing US interests. I know that with either path, this program will absolutely aid me in staying grounded with my goals and give me a better understanding of how not just our community, but the whole world, interconnects and works together.”
