Edina Rotary Global Scholars
The mission of the Edina Rotary Global Scholar program is to encourage and inspire Edina students to prepare for global careers through depth of study, community partnerships, mentoring, peer collaboration, cultural experience, and innovation.
The Edina Rotary Global Scholars Program, which partners with the Edina Education Fund and the Rotary Club of Edina, prepares students for next-generation careers through leadership development, civic engagement, and global competence.
Students explore global content through Rotary activities, international and cultural experiences, and service learning, gaining insights into diverse perspectives and world issues. The program builds knowledge of global issues, fosters international career readiness, and creates meaningful connections across cultures.
Goals of the Program
Through pathway participation, students will develop leadership, research, and communication skills that enhance college and career readiness.
- Foster global citizenship and cross-cultural collaboration on global challenges.
- Engage with diverse communities locally and globally, strengthening intercultural communication.
- Understand various world issues and perspectives.
- Complete a Capstone addressing a global issue and Sustainable Development Goal, leading to actionable outcomes.
- Develop skills for success in a competitive, globalized world.
Benefits of the Program
Students will be recognized at graduation with a dedicated cord and their transcript will reflect this prestigious accomplishment. Students may also have opportunities for scholarships through local partners.
- Enhance leadership, research, and communication skills for college and career readiness.
- Receive graduation recognition with the achievement noted on transcripts.
- Access potential scholarships through local partnerships.
- Engage in unique, educational, and exciting travel opportunities
Program Requirements
Overview
Students must complete all five requirements to graduate with Global Scholar distinction.
1. Global Collaboration Experience
Complete one or more global collaboration experiences:
- Travel Abroad
- Rotary International Youth Exchange
- International exchange (Study Abroad with AFS, CIEE, or equivalent)
- Travel-based learning (EHS short-term travel abroad)
- Host an exchange student
- Preapproved Virtual Option
2. World Language
Reach the highest level offered of a World Language or proven language proficiency. You must reach the highest level of one of these courses or reach proven fluency with bilingual proficiency certificate or seal.
- Chinese 5 or AP Chinese
- French 5 or AP French
- Latin 5 or AP Latin
- Spanish 5 or AP Spanish
- ASL 4
3. Rotary Participation
Engage in Rotary Club:
- Rotary Youth Camps
- Interact Club Participation
- Study Abroad with Rotary International Youth Exchange or Global Scholars travel-based experience.
- Attend 3 or more Rotary Club of Edina Meetings/events
4. Monthly Meetings
Attend monthly meetings with your fellow Global Scholars to enhance your global competency.
- International guest speakers
- Rotary service projects
- Hear about travel and study abroad opportunities
- Learn about post-secondary options
- Fun community!
5. Capstone Course
Complete a 1-semester Global Scholars Capstone course involving a project focused on a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Students also earn a Global Competence certificate through AFS-USA.
The Capstone will:
- Address a global issue, focusing on local impacts and actionable steps.
- Explore the global impact in a country of your choice.
- Include an action item such as volunteering, engaging in an internship, or creating awareness about the issue.
- Engage with a global and/or local contact to further the project.
- Create a final project (e.g., article, photo essay, podcast, website) with the freedom to choose your own format. Creativity is encouraged!
contact us
Lindsey Smaka
Program Coordinator
lindsey.smaka@edinaschools.org
952-848-3115