Eliot S. Berkley Award
Each year, in memory of our founder and longtime executive director, Eliot S. Berkley, the International Relations Council presents this award to an exceptional high-school junior or senior who has demonstrated superior academic interest and competence in international studies. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship. Application information for the 2027 Berkley Award will be available in Spring 2027, and we encourage you to check back then.
Click here to learn more about the Eliot S. Berkley Award.
Teacher Resources
The IRC has available a variety of resources available to provide interactive activities for teachers to use in their classrooms to enhance global understanding and provide introductory materials on international relations. These activities are fitted as closely as possible to the Kansas and Missouri social studies learning standards for K-12. Please note that as of June 2026, our Teacher Resource Guide is undergoing a full update; we apologize if any links are out of date or no longer working. We will be presenting the new Teacher Resource Guide in the fall of 2026.
Click here to see our Teacher Resources.
Global Opportunities Guide
The International Relations Council is proud to present the Global Opportunities Guide for high-school and college students. This guide focuses on international opportunities that many students are not aware of, such as global education, career, and travel possibilities. By presenting specific information and resources, this guide aims to help you explore your global potential to help you think past graduation and into your educational and professional futures. This guide will provide you resources to pave your own path to international success.
Click here to read our Global Opportunities Guide.
Request a Global Speaker
The IRC is happy to connect you with members willing to share their expertise and experiences with the Greater Kansas City area. Our members generally do not charge a fee for their speaking time and are available to the Greater Kansas City area (but it is ultimately their decision where to travel).
These local professionals with a global or country-specific interest are available upon request to share research, culture, and expertise such as global economy, finance, international arbitration, trade, medicine, law, and more.
Interested in inviting a professional from a particular industry, expertise in a particular area of the world, or from a particular culture speak to your classroom or school? Please get in touch with IRC Executive Director Evan Verploegh at everploegh@irckc.org to make a request.