The One World Academy

During the One World Academy, our teachers deliver an expanded, intensive version of our curriculum to students after school. High-potential and under-performing students improve their research, writing, and presentation skills on social justice issues of their choosing. The program culminates in a night of presentations, the One World Challenge, where students speak with passion in front of family members, community partners, and a panel of judges who award prizes for outstanding work. We expect at least 80% of students will improve their research and writing skills.

 

It is offered to middle school students from all DC schools in the fall and spring at UNCF downtown. We also run a hub Academy at Friendship Southeast PCS, providing the same rich experience without the travel barriers of a cross-city commute.

  • Week 1 Orientation
  • Week 2 Topic Selection
  • Week 3 Research
  • Week 4 Research / Outline
  • Weeks 5 & 6 Write Essay
  • Week 7 Editing / Presentation Prep
  • Week 8  Presentation Prep
  • Week 9 Presentation Practice
  • Week 10 Presentation Practice / Dress Rehearsal
  • Week 11 One World Challenge!


The One World Academy Features

40-50 hours of direct instruction
Small learning groups
Mentorship from local professionals
Guidance from public speaking artists
Prizes
Research & Writing Certificates

Program Timeline

Our timeline details each step of the OST partnership and allows all parties to understand how to support students as they improve their ability to research, write about, and present on social justice topics they’re passionate about.

Learn More

One World Challenge

In what has become one of the city's premier education events, One World Academy students present their work to community leaders, educators, and family members while competing for $5,000 in prizes.

Learn More

We don’t always find ways to give our students voice. The One World Program did that and we deeply appreciate it.

Patricia Brantley
CEO of Friendship PCS

The reason I put myself out there is not only to inspire other people who stutter like me, but also to put myself out there for a challenge. This program did give me the confidence to go to college and to speak with other people.

Quisan Adams
12th grade, DC International PCS

One World changed my life. The experience I gained was one of the most important things in my school career. Without One World, I wouldn’t have had the skill set or the confidence to apply to all these great universities and scholarships...It made me realize that my voice mattered to others and that I could be a leader for my community.

Jessica Amaya Torres
12th grade, Benjamin Banneker HS

I will never forget my shy Nyla, often hunched-shouldered, standing tall, staring out over the audience, projecting the presence of a college student, talking about inequality in school discipline. When she finished by raising her fist in the air and declaring that African-Americans need to fight for our rights, I almost fell out of my chair.

Laina Cox
Principal, Capital City PCS

One thing I learned is to ask for feedback. When you have more people going over your work, you can find your faults and what’s good about your work.

Philip Abatan
8th grade, Howard PCS

Let’s Get Started

Expect to hear back within 48 hours.

Contact Us