Challenge Overview

DC students who have participated in our One World Academies strive for academic excellence twice each year at the One World Challenge. Half of the students will be on stage making 2-minute presentations about social justice issues that matter to them. Half of the students will be holding one-on-one discussions with the audience about the issues they’ve chosen to study over the previous 10 weeks. Students from both groups will also be judged on their written essays. All three groups will be competing for prizes. Every year, it’s one of DC’s premier education events as students find their voice and display their brilliance.

One World Challenge Highlight Videos

Each year, One World produces a video showing highlights of its showcase gala, capturing students in the midst of a learning experience they will remember for a lifetime. Just ask Amyah or Jessica in 2021, Caden or Nayla in 2019, or Tyaja and Kayla in 2018!

2024 Fall School Challenge

This fall One World is running two Academies for middle schoolers. Our traditional group of students from across the city working at UNCF, and a smaller group of students just from Friendship SE PCS, who are working at their school. Approximately 80 DC students have the opportunity to spend 10 weeks challenging themselves after school in small groups with some of the city’s finest educators, the One World Teacher Leader Team. The students choose social justice issues that matter to them and then are led through every step of the writing process.

 

As students learn about writing college-level essays and presenting with the proper pacing, poise, and posture, they also are taught how to collaborate with peers and strive for excellence.  Plan now to see the inspiring outcomes of their work on December 16, 2024.

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Previous Challenges

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2023 Middle School Challenge

A group of 70 (!) DC students had the rare opportunity to spend 10 weeks working after school in small groups with some of the city’s finest educators.

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2023 High School Challenge

One World high school students demonstrated the research, writing, and speaking skills, and a passion for learning, that will serve them well in high school, college, and life.

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2024 Middle School Challenges

One World middle school students from all over the city wowed the crowd as they demonstrated the research, writing, and speaking skills they had honed over the past 10 weeks.

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2022 High School Challenge

It’s been a rare privilege to see this group of young people supporting one another in developing their best possible essays, board presentations, and stage performances.

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2022 Spring Challenge

Several 2022 students told us that they felt like winners before they even stepped on the stage to compete at the One World Challenge!

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2021 Challenge

Fifty pandemic-weary students persisted through long hours of screen time to build a legacy larger than themselves.

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In-School Program

The One World Program prepares teachers to lead students through every step of the writing process and draws out students’ innate potential and brilliance.

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Afterschool Program

The One World Academy prepares students for their most important academic transitions.

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