The International Relations Council is proud to work with Kansas City area schools and teachers to provide a wide range of programs for students. Join as an Educator Member of the IRC or reach out to Global Education Outreach Coordinator, Chloe Thomas, to learn more about our high school programs and how they can be customized to your school’s needs.
Academic WorldQuest
High school students from across the greater Kansas City area are invited to put their global knowledge to the test in the annual Academic WorldQuest™ competition, a flagship program of the World Affairs Councils of America. The local competition, hosted by the IRC every spring since 2006, is entirely cost-free for schools.
Teams of four must put their heads together and correctly answer 10 rounds of 10 multiple-choice questions on current international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures. The winning team and their teacher sponsor win an all-expenses-paid trip to the national competition in Washington, D.C. where they will represent their high school, city, and our council.
- Each high school (9-12 grade students) is invited to register one or more teams of four students
- Study materials produced by the World Affairs Councils of America are provided in advance
- Limited travel scholarships may be available for teams from outside the greater Kansas City region
- Door prizes and a light meal provided
Click here to learn more about the next Academic WorldQuest competition.
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. Complete applications include three parts: an informational form, an essay of 1,000 to 1,200 words, and one letter of recommendation. The recipient will be invited to attend the IRC’s annual Global Honors Evening, a celebration of individuals and groups that make Kansas City a shining global community. The award includes a $500 scholarship.
Click here to learn more about applying for the Eliot S. Berkley award.
Your Global Future
Away from the borders and coasts, Kansas City-area students are often surprised to find just how many international academic and professional opportunities await them after high school. Each fall, this unique college and career fair brings students to the virtual table, together with dozens of international businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities, in order to show them just how global their future can be.
The Your Global Future program is underwritten by support from the participating organizations and generous Kansas City-area donors to ensure that attendance is completely cost-free for teachers and students, every year. Previous Your Global Future college and career fairs brought together more than 500 Kansas City–area high school students and their teachers, from around the Kansas City metro region. They interacted with more than 50 businesses, university programs, and community organizations in 1-to-1 conversations, larger workshops, and seminars.
Click here to learn more about the next Your Global Future college and career fair.
Request a Global Speaker
The IRC Speakers Bureau is a collection of IRC members willing to share their expertise and experiences with the Greater Kansas City area. The members of the Bureau don’t 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 the Speakers Bureau to your school? Please contact Chloe Thomas, Global Education Coordinator, for more information.
Subscribe to the Global Education Digest
Brought to you by the IRC, this monthly digest contains global education news and opportunities specific to high school students, teachers, and administrators.
Alongside registration information for the IRC’s upcoming student programs available to you, we share international field trip, scholarship, and competition opportunities for students, and professional development opportunities for teachers.
Signing up below will only enroll you in the monthly Global Education Digest. If you’re also interested in receiving the IRC’s weekly newsletter and updates, sign up here.
