World Smarts Changemakers joins middle and high school students in Guatemala and the United States for conversational language learning in online collaboration spaces. Students form binational teams and design solutions for real problems, facilitated by classroom teachers trained in WSC’s curriculum focused on UN Sustainable Development Goals, design thinking, and conversations. Throughout the project-based learning experience, participants develop skills such as digital literacy, cross-cultural communication, cooperation, and critical thinking. After each cohort, participants participate in the Community Celebration and Student Celebration event, which is a showcase of sustainable solutions and celebration of conversational moves and foundational skills. 

World Smarts Changemakers is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation. The program is implemented by IREX with partnership from Empresarios por la Educación. 

About the Stevens Initiative

The Stevens Initiative is an international movement whose mission is to enhance global understanding by connecting young people through virtual exchange, giving them critical skills for prosperity and encouraging friendships along the way. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption. Learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org/ 

6th – 9th Grade educators at public schools and charter schools in the Washington DC Metro Area can apply to facilitate a bi-national team. 

Applications will be open from November 4 – 29, 2024

Eligibility requirements 

• Current 6th – 9th grade educator at a public or charter school in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia  

Facilitator Responsibilities

The facilitator will:  

• Incorporate the curriculum in class with approximately 20 students. Curriculum fits well with Dual Language Programs in Spanish and English, Civics, Global Studies, Social Change classes and any subject with a project-based learning focus.
• Participate in a virtual workshop on implementing the World Smarts Changemakers Curriculum, cross-cultural training, inclusive education strategies, technology implementation, and virtual project-based learning;
• Collaborate effectively with their co-facilitator in Guatemala to coach their binational team and complete the challenge milestones together; 
• Connect with IREX staff on ongoing communications and support; 
• Manage and implement the team’s virtual and in-person instruction and collaboration throughout the challenge; 

Benefits for Facilitators 

• $500 honorarium upon program completion;
• Funds for team supplies 
• Fully developed and bilingual program guides;
• Dedicated staff support, including weekly, one-on-one coaching sessions from IREX throughout the challenge;
•  Certificate of Completion; 
• Upon successful completion of the program, participants join a network of Stevens Initiative alumni, unlocking opportunities for their continued learning and development including regular newsletters and access to Localized, an online professional development platform;
• Skills development in facilitating global citizenship and innovation;

Timeline and Time Commitment

Facilitators will be expected to contribute 2-4 hours per week to the World Smarts Changemakers program. 

*Note that program events may be subject to change

November 4, 2024: Applications Open

November 29, 2024: Application Deadline

Mid-December 2024: Notification

January 13, 2025 - January 17, 2025: Virtual Facilitator Training

January 27 -March 14: Virtual Exchange Program 

Within March 31 - April 4, 2024: Student Celebration and Community Presentations

How to Apply

Applications will be open from November 4 – 29, 2024

Application Deadline

November 29, 2024

Contact 

For more information, contact worldsmartsprogram@irex.org