Challenge Overview

DC students who have participated in our One World Academies strive for academic excellence twice each year at the One World Challenge. Some students will be on stage making 2-minute presentations about social justice issues that matter to them. Some will be holding one-on-one discussions with the audience about the issues they’ve chosen to study over the previous 10 weeks. Some students 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!

2025 Spring Academy and Challenge

This spring One World is running two middle school Academies: our traditional group of students from across the city working at UNCF and a smaller group of students, just from Friendship Southeast PCS, working at their school. Approximately 75 DC students will 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 are led through every step of the writing process.

 

As students learn about writing high school and 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 April 25, 2025.

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Previous Challenges

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2024 Fall Academy and Challenge

The 2024 Fall Challenge showcased our middle school students’ exceptional work and inspired hundreds of community members, including our guest speakers DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn.

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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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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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