Applications must be received by Friday, June 3rd, 2011.

The World Affairs Council Summer Institute is designed to give high school and community college students in-depth knowledge on a variety of international issues and meet heads of state, policymakers, journalists and scholars who address Council audiences. The Summer Institute provides students with the opportunity to strengthen their skills in critical reading, writing and communication with an international focus.

The 2011 Summer Institute will meet from the week of June 27th until the week of August 7th. Prior to each meeting, students prepare by completing assigned readings and writing assignments. They then convene to discuss the evening’s topic and depending on schedule, may meet with that day’s speaker. Following this discussion, students join Council members to attend the public lecture. Upon successful completion, Summer Institute students receive a one-year membership to the World Affairs Council enabling them to attend many programs free of charge.

Summer Institute programs are still being determined. Last year’s speakers included the Mexican Ambassador to the US, Arturo Sarukhan; Admiral Roughead, US Chief of Naval Operations; and featured opening remarks by George Shultz, former US Secretary of State.

What Summer Institute 2010 participants had to say:

“I feel that my knowledge of the world has been broadened, and that I have developed new opinions and ideas about issues I was familiar with and issues that are new to me. It was a great experience to engage with other students and explore topics from around the world, and I hope to participate again.”

“The Summer Institute turned an otherwise boring summer into a weekly adventure delving into the issues facing our world today. I can’t believe how much I learned in just a few weeks, and I left every time feeling empowered, knowing that I have the opportunity to change the world and that educating myself is the first step. Overall, I had a great time and met a lot of interesting people with inspiring ideas—speakers and fellow Institute members included.”

Questions? Contact the Education Program Officer at Education@wacsf.org or 415.293.4650. Upon acceptance to the program, a $50 fee is required; scholarships are available to students who demonstrate financial need.