The Columbus Council on World Affairs

10/01/2026

What would you change if you knew you could make a difference?

Today, our Year 3 Global Changemakers in the Global Scholars Diploma Program began answering that question.

During today's Take Action Project Workshop, students explored issues they care about, shared ideas with one another, and began thinking about how they can turn those ideas into action in their own communities.

Their projects are just getting started. Their ideas are already making an impact, and we’ll be sharing their stories soon.

What issue would you choose?

09/28/2026

Global Scholars events are well underway! It is always a privilege to witness students in the program realize their potential for impact.

Welcome Gahanna Year 1's!

Gahanna Year 1 Global Scholars kicked off their 3-year journey today with an exciting deep dive into Global Cultures at Capital University!! From a card game simulating intracultural interactions to powerful guest speakers sharing their cultural roots, students explored what it means to connect across cultures. A great day full of thinking, learning, and growing together!! 🦁💙💛🌏🌍🌎

Gahanna-Jefferson Schools
The Columbus Council on World Affairs

09/15/2026

Partnerships like this are what make meaningful global learning experiences possible.

We’re grateful to the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for its long-standing support of the Columbus Council on World Affairs and Global Scholars. Their investment helps students explore global issues, encounter perspectives different from their own, and begin thinking about how they can contribute in their own communities.

Thank you for helping us create opportunities for students to explore, connect, and act.

09/15/2026

🌎 You don’t have to travel far to experience the world.

The October edition of the Global Learning Gateway is here, with opportunities to explore global issues, cultures, and perspectives right here in Central Ohio and beyond.
This month’s lineup includes:

🇮🇹 The Columbus Italian Festival
🌍 The CRIS 5K & Advocacy Fair
📚 A rare look inside humanitarian work in North Korea
🕊️ Conversations on diplomacy and the Middle East
🌐 Discussions on war, leadership, and today’s global challenges
👕 A student-led conversation on the ethics of fast fashion
…and more.

The Columbus Council on World Affairs curates the Global Learning Gateway each month to showcase events and experiences from our community partners and the many ways our region connects to the world.

Explore the October lineup: https://ow.ly/Bb8s50ZMAxt

Have an event to share? Send it our way for consideration in a future edition!

08/21/2026

🍂 Looking for something new to experience this September?

The latest edition of the Global Learning Gateway is here, with opportunities to explore global cultures, ideas, and conversations without leaving Central Ohio.

This month's lineup includes the Columbus Greek Festival, international films at Gateway Film Center, a celebration of multilingualism at Ohio State, conversations on Syria and Colombia, national security and diplomacy, the future of American democracy, and more.

Whether you're looking for a cultural experience, a thought-provoking conversation, or simply a new way to learn about the world, there's something to discover.

🌎 Explore the September edition of the Global Learning Gateway: https://ow.ly/uzE350ZCqOE

08/20/2026

🌎 Celebrating the Changemakers Among Us

Over the past several weeks, we’ve shared the stories of our 2026 Global Scholars Honorable Mention recipients—students who saw opportunities to make a difference and turned their ideas into action.

From building inclusive communities to raising awareness about AI safety, these students demonstrate what it means to be a global citizen: identify a challenge, take action and create change.

We’re proud to celebrate their leadership, creativity and commitment to making our community—and our world—a better place.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Honorable Mention recipients!

👉 Read about all of their projects and stories on our blog: https://ow.ly/TuLh50ZBVpO

08/18/2026

AI scams are getting harder to spot—and older adults are increasingly being targeted.

That’s why Westerville North High School student and 2026 Global Scholars Honorable Mention recipient Mohammed created an AI-awareness workshop to help local seniors recognize scams, misinformation, and AI-generated content.

More than 40 seniors attended his February workshop at Westerville Public Library, where participants engaged in discussion, hands-on exercises, and practical strategies for identifying suspicious digital content.

The result? 100% of participants reported feeling confident or very confident in their ability to identify AI-generated content.

Mohammed didn’t stop there. He also created a website where anyone can learn more about AI safety, explore digital security FAQs, and get guidance on suspicious content.
Read the full story and learn how one Global Scholar is helping his community navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

Learn more on our blog: https://columbusworldaffairs.org/news/turning-ai-awareness-into-action/

08/13/2026

When Lauren noticed the loss of agricultural education opportunities in her community, she didn’t just identify a problem—she created an opportunity. 🌱

For her Global Scholars Take Action Project, Lauren organized Johnstown Intermediate School’s first Agriculture Day, bringing 4th and 5th grade students together with local agricultural professionals for hands-on learning about farming, food, equipment, crops, and careers.

Across six stations, students explored the agricultural industry and discovered possibilities for their own futures.

Her project earned Lauren a 2026 Global Scholars Diploma Honorable Mention—and helped plant the seeds for a second Agriculture Day next school year. 🌾

Read Lauren’s full story and learn more about her Take Action Project on our blog: https://ow.ly/rlHp50ZzrqM

08/11/2026

Turning Compassion Into Action: Kacee Creates Connections Through Best Buddies

Kacee, a 2026 Global Scholars graduate, established a Best Buddies chapter at her high school as part of her Take Action Project, fostering connections between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through collaborating with Best Buddies International, Best Buddies Central Ohio, and her high school's faculty and students, Kacee set up periodic meetings, activities and events for students after-school including a Valentine's Day party and card game events.

Along with establishing routine meetings, Kacee worked alongside two other students, ensuring the club continues even after her graduation this Spring.

Kacee will be attending Villanova University in the fall, and plans to volunteer at the Special Olympics and continue supporting students and people with IDD.

Read more on our blog: https://columbusworldaffairs.org/news/building-best-buddies-and-fostering-connections/

08/06/2026

Olivia, a 2026 Global Scholars Graduate, created a Rain Garden Guide to distribute to her community this spring.

Rain Gardens consist of native plants that absorb excess water, preventing runoff and damages from severe storms. Ohio is at high-risk to severe storms, but planting rain gardens help minimize the impact of the excess water and attract native wildlife and butterflies simultaneously.

Olivia collaborated with experts to create her guide, and distributed over 400 copies and counting to her neighborhood. Olivia identified a local challenge, collaborated with experts, and created a resource that's helping her community become more resilient—one rain garden at a time.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/zyFO50ZwLqQ