The Columbus Council on World Affairs

05/21/2026

Today for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re celebrating Roma, a recent Global Scholars graduate from Dublin City Schools. 💙

As part of her Take Action Project focused on UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being, Roma organized and taught two free adaptive dance workshops for children, teens, and adults with disabilities in partnership with Adaptive Programming at the Dublin Community Recreation Center.

Her workshops created an inclusive space for participants to learn, move, connect, and have fun together through dance.

Accessibility is a challenge faced by communities around the world, and Roma’s project is a reminder that meaningful local action can make participation and belonging possible for more people.

Global Scholars empowers students to engage with real-world issues and turn ideas into action within their own communities.

05/14/2026

🚨 JOB ALERT 🚨

We’re hiring a Program Coordinator to support the Global Scholars Diploma program at the Columbus Council on World Affairs.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve shared stories of students leading Take Action Projects, alumni creating change in their communities, and educators helping students connect local and global challenges. The impact of this program continues to grow — and we’re looking for someone ready to help take it even further. Help us deliver high-impact programming that empowers our communities to think globally and act locally.

If you’re ready to use your skills for something that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Full job description and application instructions available on our website at:
https://ow.ly/GiEP50YZ9zy

Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word!

05/12/2026

The future feels brighter after spending the day with the students of the 2026 Global Scholars Diploma Take Action Project Fair & Graduation.

From tackling real issues in their communities to exploring global careers and perspectives, these students reminded us what’s possible when young people are given the tools, support, and opportunity to lead.

Throughout the event, students shared how the program expanded their understanding of the world, introduced them to new cultures and ideas, and inspired future paths in international business, community impact, and global leadership.

What stood out most was their belief that change starts locally, but thinking globally makes that change stronger.

We’re incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and grateful to the educators, families, and partners who continue to invest in the next generation of globally minded leaders.

https://vimeo.com/1191240632

05/06/2026

Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference.

For Anna, a graduate our Global Scholars Diploma program, that “small thing” was a name.

After noticing how often students’ names are mispronounced, she created “Pronounce With Purpose”—a tool that helps teachers and staff learn names correctly through phonetic spelling and audio.

What may seem minor isn’t. Names carry identity, culture, and belonging.

Her work—grounded in global research and local impact—is now gaining wider attention, including a feature on WBNS-TV.

🎥 Watch the story: https://ow.ly/pqUf50YVK3i

Through Global Scholars, students don’t just learn about the world—they take action to shape it. Anna is now working with educators across Westerville City Schools to bring this tool into classrooms and even graduation ceremonies.
One small thing. Big impact.

Columbus Council on World Affairs Board Chair Alyson Helwagen and Westerville North senior Anna Leslein discuss "Pronounce with Purpose."

05/04/2026

Some people leave a job. Darian Raissi decided to leave a lasting mark… quite literally. 😅

After nearly two years as Program Manager, Darian has been instrumental in growing the impact of the Global Scholars Diploma—expanding opportunities, supporting students, and helping shape the next generation of global leaders. His work (and apparently his face) will be permanently embedded in CCWA history.

We’re going to miss his energy, creativity, and commitment to the mission—but we couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.

Darian is headed to Georgetown University to study law (because clearly, he hasn’t made enough of an impact already). ⚖️

Join us in wishing him the best of luck—and don’t worry, we’ll keep the tattoos.

05/04/2026

A powerful story. An urgent conversation.

The New Albany Community Foundation closes its lecture series with actor and mental health advocate Christian Slater, in conversation with NPR’s Neda Ulaby.

Slater’s journey—from child stardom to addiction to recovery—offers a deeply human perspective on mental health, resilience, and what it means to start over.

We’re sharing this opportunity because we see how real this issue is for young people. Through our Global Scholars Diploma, students are stepping up—leading projects, opening conversations, and working to improve mental health in their schools and communities.

This is the work of Sustainable Development Goal 3 in action.

https://ow.ly/okF550YUx4z

04/29/2026

Well worth the wait.

The New Albany Lecture Series delivered a meaningful conversation across political perspectives—and we were proud to see Global Scholars Diploma students helping lead the dialogue.

Ollie and Disha served as student moderators, engaging directly with speakers and contributing to a thoughtful, respectful exchange of ideas.

This is what it looks like when students move beyond learning and into real-world civic engagement.

The New Albany Community Foundation

04/22/2026

Earth Day Spotlight; Charging Change Battery Drive

Henry starting a battery recycling course which taught students about the negative environmental impacts of batteries. Henry then started a battery drive at Westerville South, encouraging students and teacher to bring dead batteries. Over the course of the drive, Henry collected over 4500 batters to be recycled.

Real issues. Real solutions. Real leadership.

04/22/2026

We’re honored to partner with Westerville City Schools in celebrating this year’s Global Scholars graduates!

These students have shown incredible commitment to global learning, leadership, and service. A special congratulations to the student awarded the Global Scholars Diploma Scholarship—well deserved!

Read the full story:

Forty-one students across Westerville’s three high schools — the most among Central Ohio school districts — marked their final year in the Global Scholars Diploma program with a showcase of their Take Action projects and graduation commemoration on Thursday at Otterbein University. ​​​.....

04/21/2026

So great to see such strong representation from Marysville Exempted Village School District at this year’s Global Scholars Diploma Graduation & Take Action Fair.

This is exactly what the program is designed to do—equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspective to understand global issues and take meaningful action in their communities.

Congratulations to the entire Marysville cohort for the commitment and impact you’re already demonstrating. 🌍🎓