What are the Council Scholar Awards?

The Council Scholar Program, now in its 17^th year, is designed to annually reward outstanding teachers, grades K-12, in Mecklenburg and the surrounding county community who have demonstrated a commitment to, and interest in, international education.  This program is supported by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, German Culture and Language Foundation,  Presbyterian HealthCare/Novant Health, BAE Systems and UNC Charlotte.

What are the benefits of winning?

A Council Scholar receives up to $2500 for an approved program abroad or attendance at an international conference, lifetime Council membership, recognition at the World Citizen Award Dinner, invitations to special Council programs and receptions and the opportunity to create & participate in seminars and roundtable discussions with past scholars and experts for curriculum development content enrichment, classroom resources and professional interaction.

Who is eligible to apply?

The applicant must be a full-time teacher or staff member in Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Gaston and Iredell County schools (public or independent) with significant student contact in grades K-12. He/she needs to have a clear idea of their plan and the impact it will have on their classroom, school and community. Preference will be given to those that will be the most significantly enhanced by their proposed travel abroad. Applicants from schools without large international programs will have special consideration as well.

What do Council Scholars do?

Council Scholars have many opportunities to use their award. Some winners design a trip on their own with their own contacts, subject to approval by our Education Committee. For example, one teacher stayed with a family he knew in India for three weeks. Others visit colleagues & students in a sister school or participate in a trip with World View to China or other various countries. More possibilities include The East-West Center, Oxbridge Academic Programs, People to People or a program that provides an appropriate language/homestay experience. Basically, if it’s relevant, reasonable & rewarding, you can do it!

How many are given out?

Last year, we awarded three Council Scholar Awards. However, each year is subject to available funds so the number of winners or the amounts may change. Don’t let the number of awards influence your decision to apply. Just do it!

What is required of the winners?

Upon return, the winners will write a detailed summary of their trip (including itinerary) of at least two pages and submit photos for the Council to share. After six months, the winners will report on how the experience has been shared and integrated into the school community. Following that, they will write an update after one year. Each winner will also submit documentation of upcoming travel expenses before money will be received. Additionally, the winners need to attend the World Citizen Award Dinner, held in the Spring of 2011. They agree to be featured in any promotional materials for the Council, to present about their experiences as much as possible, to be available for questions to future applicants, to use the award by 8/31/2011 and to fill out the required tax form.

What is the process like?

Applications will be accepted until OCTOBER 15, 2010. They will be reviewed and processed for about two weeks, depending on the number of applications received. Interviews will then take place with the Education Committee in mid- November and winners will be announced shortly after that.

What advice can you give me for creating a good application?

Be passionate, clear, detailed, specific, realistic and well-researched in your plan. Include the costs associated with your trip, have a good recommendation and express real intention for using your experience in the classroom, with your staff and with the parents in your community upon your return.

How can I get more information?

Applications will be available online soon at: www.charlotteworld.org (Educational Outreach section.) Please continue to check our website for more information. For any additional information please contact Charlotte Klopp at: cklopp@worldaffairscharlotte.org or call her at 704-687-7759.

Take Advantage of What’s Possible!