AFS-USA believes that we must all work together to create active global citizens. Educators and schools are great partners in helping our next generation achieve global and intercultural competence. To that end, celebrating those educators and schools who are going above and beyond in their classrooms and buildings is important.
AFS-USA has created two distinct awards to celebrate both individual educators and schools or districts that have made global engagement and intercultural learning a part of their everyday teaching and learning building-wide and have shown a commitment to global learning throughout the curriculum. We hope to showcase an educator and school every year that will inspire others to weave culture and global thinking into their learning environments.
Throughout the fall semester, school staff members applying for this recognition are asked to submit the following documentation as part of a 2-step nomination/application process:
Nomination:
- Copy of the School's or School District's Mission/Vision/Core Values/Strategic Plan: This should express value in preparing students to engage in a global society during their time academic preparation and beyond.
- Nomination Letter: This should speak to school's engagement and support of a variety of people and perspectives throughout their community as well as sharing the ideas, activities, and opportunities made available to students and staff to bolster their intercultural thinking and learning. (Max. 2 pages)
- Supplemental Artifacts: These can include any additional documentation from photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, etc... These artifacts should showcase global learning, experiences, and engagement for students and staff. (Max. 5 pages)
Application:
- School Data Sheet: This document should be completed with recent data and included in the application.
- Letter of Recommendation: This should be from a current or former parent or student that can speak to the global engagement opportunities and/or global themes embedded in the coursework offered at the school as well as their impact on their overall education as outlined in the rubric. (Max. 2 pages)
- School/District Event Plan/Summary: This should show how the school or district has incorporated global competence and intercultural engagement for students, staff, and/or community members. (Max. 3 pages)
- Supplemental Artifacts: These can include any additional documentation from photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, etc... (Max. 5 pages)
- Photo of the School or School Building Sign: This should be a high resolution photo of the school or the sign/marquis that has the school name prominently displayed.
Deadlines, Terms & Conditions, and other details will be provided in the fall each year.
Winners will be invited to attend the AFS-USA ECA Workshop in Northern Virginia in March 2026.
Past AFS-USA Global Schools of the Year
2025 - No Winner
2024 - Hingham High School, Massachusetts
2023 - Manhattan High School, Kansas
2022 - Oconomowoc High School, Wisconsin