Global Minds (2017-Present)

From 2017-2018 CEAC conducted a program evaluation of Global Minds for internal program refinement and capacity building purposes. The Global Minds Initiative is a for youth, by youth, after school program based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that has expanded to thirteen chapters across the United States and Canada, and serves students from fifty different countries. This program addresses issues of cultural intolerance and discrimination by bringing English as a second language (ESL), former ESL, and native English speaking (NES) students together. In this time students practice English, build strong relationships, improve ESL student confidence and achievement in school, and increase student awareness of culturally-sensitive topics. Each student leaders of this organization self-identify their needs and build curriculum around these needs. Priority is given to activities that celebrate diverse traditions, belief systems, and values. The organization views differences as assets; in doing so it allows high school students to transcend sociocultural boundaries and overcome stereotypes in order to achieve respect and understanding.