Elevating and celebrating student voice has always been at the core of One World Education, and it wouldn’t be possible without our annual cadre of Student Ambassadors. These middle and high school students are nominated by their teachers based on the quality of their final essays, created during the One World Program earlier in the school year. Students represent nearly every DC public high school, as well as several public charter schools in the District, and their topics range from paying collegiate athletes to deforestation and police surveillance.
Over the course of two evenings in March, this diverse group of students will work closely with writing mentors to strengthen their essays, with the end goal of having their essays published on our website, and possibly even in a printed anthology of One World Education student essays. The mentors represent an array of local institutions, including teachers from DC Public Schools, college students from American, Howard and Georgetown Universities, a scientist from the National Institute of Health and more. Through their careful guidance, the Student Ambassadors will re-work certain elements of their essays and learn about the value of feedback and revision. 
Over the last 10 years, we’ve published nearly 100 student essays on our website, elevating the voices and research-based perspectives of middle and high school students across the D.C. metro area. More importantly, when student engage in peer-to-peer learning, using an exemplary essay written by a peer, it provides positive reinforcement that their voice is just as important and viable. Publishing high quality student work adds weight to the idea that refining an essay is worth the time and effort, making our Writing Workshops possible.
During the first week, students reviewed their claims and overall essays, and shared their topics and the reasons for that choice with us on camera. We’re excited to share that video during our 2017 College & Career Senior Challenge, which you’re welcome to attend! For more information on the Student Ambassadors and Writing Workshops, click here. To RSVP to our event on April 12, please click here.