What are the Council Scholar
Awards?
The Council Scholar Program, now in its 16th 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. These awards are
typically funded by The Wachovia Foundation, CPI
Security Systems, and the South End Jazz &
German-Austrian Business Community.
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, Lincoln, 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 in 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 so 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
on a trip with World View to China or so many other
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 four 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 2 pages
and submit photos for the Council to share. After 6
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 this year in
early November. 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
12/31/2010, and to fill out the required tax form.
What is the process like?
Applications will be accepted until January 29th, 2010.
They will be reviewed and processed for about 2 weeks,
depending on number of applications received. Interviews
will then take place with the Education Committee in
mid- February 2010, 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 are available on
www.worldaffairscharlotte.org (Educational Outreach
section.) Please continue to check our website for more
information. For any additional information please
contact Maegan LaPlante at:
mlaplante@worldaffairscharlotte.org or call her at
704-687-7757.
Take
Advantage of What’s Possible!
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