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 entire school communities 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 a secondary school every year that will inspire others to weave culture and global thinking into their learning environments, ideally through engaging with AFS-USA programming and resources such as welcoming AFS exchange students, encouraging students to study abroad with AFS, or utilizing the many resources available to schools through AFS-USA.
We seek nominations and applications for these awards throughout the fall semester. Submit your nomination today!
Questions can be sent to educators@afsusa.org.
Nomination deadline is December 15, 2025
Nominators must provide the following via this nomination form:
- A brief letter stating why they are nominating this specific school, including specific examples of why this school is a great candidate for the award, the school’s current connection to AFS, and the name and contact information for a school staff member from whom we can gather more information. (Max. 2 pages)
- Optional Supplemental Artifacts: These can include any additional documentation, such as 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)
Upon receipt of the nomination, AFS staff will confirm the school’s eligibility and contact the named school official to invite them to apply.
Application deadline is January 15, 2026
To be considered for the award, the school must submit:
- A brief letter to share how intercultural learning is integrated into the school’s curriculum and community, and how globally-minded professional development opportunities are provided for staff (refer to this rubric on how schools will be evaluated) (Max. 2 pages)
- A copy of the mission and vision statements for the school/district.
- Evidence of a global curriculum, such as course offerings, lesson plans, and/or student projects.
- 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)
- Artifacts that demonstrate the school’s culture, including physical attributes, student activities, student work, special events, etc. These can include photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, etc. (Max. 5 pages)
- Optional letter of recommendation: This should be from a current or former parent or student who 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)
All candidates will be evaluated, using this rubric.
Deadlines, Terms & Conditions, and other details will be provided in the fall each year.
Past AFS-USA Global Schools of the Year
2024 - Hingham High School, Massachusetts
2023 - Manhattan High School, Kansas
2022 - Oconomowoc High School, Wisconsin