The Global Smarts Mentoring Program is grant-funded, rigorous global literacy tutoring program that pairs college-level student mentors from Saint Joseph's University and Temple University with middle school students from under-resourced and low- to middle-income Philadelphia public, parochial and charter schools. Through weekly small-group instruction, mentors provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to confidently participate in the Council's annual, region-wide Jr. Model United Nations Conference. Launched in 2012, Global Smarts unequivocally and markedly impacts students' enthusiasm for learning, expands their knowledge of world affairs, and sharpens their critical thinking skills and the competencies needed to understand and act on issues of global significance.

At weekly tutoring sessions, mentors - under the supervision of a dedicated faculty member (the 'faculty adviser') from a partner school - work closely with students to fulfill key Jr. Model United Nations curriculum goals, including: (1) researching a country’s history, culture, government, economy, etc.; (2) thinking critically and creatively about an issue of global significance (e.g., water scarcity); (3) writing a well-constructed position paper; and (4) drafting a policy resolution. Additionally, mentors coach students on oral and written advocacy skills (e.g., public speaking) focused on writing, debating and ultimately defending a final policy resolution, as well as learning to assume leadership roles in their regional blocs. Global Smarts sessions would begin in January and run through May, with students required to attend three Model UN Conferences in January, March and May respectively.

This form is meant to indicate your interest in participating in the Global Smarts program in the 2021-22 academic year. After this form is completed, you will receive an email with more information about the program in the coming weeks. Questions? Please reach out to Eric Bumbaca, Director of Global Smarts, at ebumbaca@wacphila.org or 215-561-4700 ext. 216

This form will take about 5-10 minutes to complete, and detailed answers will allow us to better serve you and your students this year!