I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend AMP’s Global Scholar
program over the summer. Since AMP had done virtual seminars and programs in the past they were able to move the entire two week program online. As much as I would have preferred to be able to attend in person, I truly don’t feel like I missed out on any part of the program even with it being online. The program was conducted over Zoom with two different start times to try to minimize the inconvenience to people in different time zones. I was in the group that started at 8:00 am ET since I live on the east coast. My group would start our mornings with lessons and activities in the Action Lab (the more academic part of the program). After having lunch we would join with the other group that was just starting and listen to guest lectures and presentations. After that the morning group was done for the day and the second group would start the Action Lab for the day. We got breaks throughout the day and the program was so well done it didn’t really feel like a chore to be on Zoom all day.
There were some things that we were unfortunately unable to do since we weren’t actually in D.C. like the meetings with senators and a tour of the World Bank but the staff made up for it. We took a virtual tour of the World Bank and they coached us through getting in contact with and calling senators to replace the in person meetings. All things considered I really enjoyed the program and how much the staff really cared about us learning and succeeding in the program. Considering how good the program was virtually I would definitely recommend it, especially considering it will hopefully be in person in 2021.
I was so grateful that I had the chance to attend Global Scholar this past summer. It amazed me how well they were able to run the program over zoom. It genuinely felt that it was designed to be that way and like they had been doing so for years, rather than it feeling like something that was thrown together quickly. While I wished that we had been able to be with everyone in person, the power of this program and the Global Scholar community transcended physical distance.
The main components of the program consisted of action labs, speakers, and final projects. The action lab served as the foundation for much of what we did at Global Scholar. These lessons would often last several hours and gave us the opportunity to discover new concepts, collaborate with each other, and come to our own understanding based on the material we were learning. The topics covered in the action lab included ideas such as systems thinking and values-based messaging. Almost every day we would hear from at least one speaker, ranging from ambassadors to panelists discussing careers in global affairs.
During the final week, we worked on our projects in small groups. We identified a global problem and created a specific intervention to address that problem based on what we had learned in the action lab and from some of the speakers. Having the experience of actually getting to apply what we learned to a real-world situation, rather than just learning about it theoretically, was immensely helpful and allows me to better apply what I learned to some of the work I am doing on global issues outside of the program. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone interested. I was able to learn so much in just two weeks and it definitely broadened my horizons.
AMP Global Scholar was one of most educational programs that I participated in over the summer. As the number of COVID-19 cases was increasing, a lot of summer programs were either being cancelled or virtual.
I participated in the OppNet Global Scholar: COVID-19 Training, from August 2rd to August 14th. It was a two weeks of learning about topics such as Epidemiology, public health, self-care, and US government policy. From day one, we were provided with a very well structured schedule. Class started at 9:00am and ended at 3:00pm-3:30pm. Although it seems a lot to be seated in front of a camera for that long, between the fun icebreakers/teambuilders, lunch and lunch talk, and music break, time seemed to fly by.
Another opportunity offered by the program was the amazing guest speakers. During those two weeks, I got to hear a diverse group of people talking–from health related topics to politics.
Although I wished it was in person, the friends I made during that session never failed to bring the energy needed.
AMP Global Scholar was one of the highlights of my entire summer. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I was so lucky to have access to such high quality and educational programing. The specific program that I attended was a COVID-19 version of Global Scholars, sponsored by the Stevens Initiative and US Department of State. This program helped me connect with other young people from across the world to make sense of the seismic global events that have shaken our world lately. This unique program brought in experts from all fields, including the World Health Organization, Moroccan government, social justice organizations, and more. I learned so much about how to advocate for causes I believe in and and grow as a leader. Since the program ended, I have seen my communication and interpersonal skills greatly improve, and I feel more prepared to take on the challenges of the world. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in meeting other motivated young people, becoming a global citizen, and improving the world around you!
I attended Global Scholar this past summer virtually. Even though I was really looking forward to traveling to Washington, D.C. and wasn’t sure how a program like Global Scholar could function online, but AMP did a fantastic job.
The staff members and the student counselors were welcoming, friendly and made the activities we did as interactive as possible. They created times to have social interactions with the other Scholars, like virtual lunch tables, talent and game show nights. The Action Labs were one of my favorite parts of the program. I heard about them during the application process and was excited to experience them in person, but the virtual version was still thought-compelling and interactive.
I went into the summer of 2020 having no previous experience with change-making or international relations knowledge. All I knew was that I wanted to major in a discipline like it, and that there were so many careers under the IR bubble. I came out of Global Scholar being able to advocate for issues that I cared about, and with knowledge that I am positive I’ll use in future careers and in college.
I would seriously recommend AMP Global Scholar to any high school student that is interested in international affairs, political science, global citizenship, or change-making. I had an amazing time with the other scholars and staff, who challenged me to work hard and think from a different perspective from my own. Global Scholar teaches so many skills and concepts that can be used in a real-life setting, which I found refreshing. I can say with full confidence that if you’re not planning on traveling next summer but still want to participate in this program that you will still have a wonderful experience.
I have a personal connection with AMP Global Youth - it’s not just a program to me, it’s a door. It’s a door that has opened me to a world full of love, inclusivity, and endless opportunities. When I joined the AMP Global Scholars program this summer, my view towards the world was changed forever. This program opened my eyes to the divergent ways I can make the world a better place. It opened my eyes to the importance and value of my thoughts, and gave me the confidence to speak out. I’ve attended many programs before, but Global Youth is the only one that went beyond the typical classroom coursework and offered leadership and advocacy training, that ultimately helped me develop new skills and inspired me to launch a real project with my peers around an urgent global issue.
Although my role as an AMP Global Scholar intern has ended, my role as a concerned global changemaker has not. Now, I’m a 2020 Elections Fellow for AMP Global Youth, working to empower and inform the youth about the upcoming elections. I strive to make others aware of the power of voting. I strive to prove to them that despite their race, age, culture, or financial background, they can make a positive impact not only on their communities, but on the whole country, just by a simple vote. None of this would have been possible without Global Scholars, that has fueled my dream of inspiring change in others and leading action. Global Scholars has helped me realize the value of my voice, and now I help others realize theirs.
I’ll try to keep it as real as possible but I genuinely mean it when I say this changed my life for the better.
As a reference for who I am, I’ve always been involved in global relations, do Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, Model UN, DECA, and a couple of other clubs. I’m nearly at the top of my large high school and I would consider myself generally hardworking. I had a lot of knowledge going into Global Scholar about International Relations and Global Change, but even if my peers didn’t have this extensive knowledge, they loved it as much as I did.
The Action Labs. I could talk about these for hours. Before going into it, I knew it was supposed to change my perspective. I, like many of you, didn’t believe it. I considered myself pretty woke for lack of better words and wasn’t buying it. However, those Action Labs BLEW my mind. Never in my life has my perspective in life been changed so quickly. It truly was an aha moment. They bring in professionals who KNOW what they are talking about and I would do anything to relive those action labs once again.
The people, the networking. I have never met more people who want to change the world for the better in my life. When have everyone has this passionate drive, we all feel unstoppable. I still stay in contact with many of my fellow global scholars, and I don’t know where I would be today without them. We also had AMP staff and speakers that came in and I still keep in contact with them to this very day.
There are so many other invaluable skills I have learned but these were my highlights. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who wants to change the world in any form.
Attending AMP’s Global Scholar program over the summer was one of the best experiences that I have ever had. AMP had done a great work moving to an online program. I truly learned a lot of things through AMP’s action labs and from the facilitators of the program.
I believe that what makes Global scholar a special program are the facilitators, they were so genuine and kind, and they were not boring, they were fun, very interesting and professional people who know what they are talking about.
The sessions did not have any filler informations, it was very smooth and I personally did not get bored due to how fun the facilitators were and how interactive the session was.
Global scholar has gave me the chance to meet very interesting people who I, to now, still have a very good relationships with and I can even dare to call some of them them my friends.