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OneWorld Now! 

Description

OneWorld Now! is a nationally recognized after school global leadership program for underserved high school youth in Seattle, Washington. OneWorld Now! offers a unique program model of language (Arabic and Chinese), leadership workshops and study abroad (Middle East and China) and then supports youth in applying to college and university. Most of our youth are low-income and minority and from 8 of Seattle's public high schools. Our organizational goal's are to support our youth in becoming global leaders and expand our innovative program model nationwide!

Mission Statement
OneWorld Now! exists to develop the next generation of global leaders through an innovative program of language, leadership and study abroad for underserved youth.
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OneWorld Now!
220 2nd Ave S Ste 102 
Seattle 
WA
98104 
(206) 223-7703 

Kristin Hayden 
Founder & Executive Director 

Programs

OneWorld Now! Programs

Arabic and Chinese Language Classes
In the US, less than 1% of high school students study Arabic and less than 3% study Chinese: OneWorld Now! offers Seattle area high school students critical languages after school during the academic school year. In addition, OneWorld Now! offers a three-week immersion Chinese and Arabic camp (held at Seattle University) for interested and eligible youth.

Leadership Workshops
Throughout the school year, OneWorld Now! students participate in weekly leadership workshops. Our "hands on, hearts on, and heads on" leadership curriculum take youth on a journey through personal development, social justice & social identity, intercultural communication, global citizenship and social entrepreneurship. OneWorld Now! alumni serve as peer facilitators, along with trained staff, to lead these transformative workshops.

Study Abroad
OneWorld Now! youth are able to put their year of leadership and language skills to use by studying abroad in the Middle East or China. A typical OneWorld Now! study abroad experience includes living with home stay families, working on service projects and continuing their formal language studies. This life-changing experience positively impacts youth who would otherwise not be able to afford studying abroad, and often opens up new possibilities for college and career options while broadening their worldview for a lifetime!

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

OneWorld Now! has been recognized as being "one of the nation's most innovative after school programs" and whose founder is an Ashoka fellow "as a leading social entrepreneur who we recognize to have innovative solutions and the potential to change patterns across society." OneWorld Now! is one of the only programs in the nation offering critical languages (Arabic & Chinese), leadership skills and study abroad scholarships to underserved youth!

Evaluation


OneWorld Now is a two-year language and global leadership program for underserved youth in the Seattle Public Schools. The program combines school-based, credit-bearing language instruction in Mandarin Chinese and Arabic with study abroad and college guidance opportunities for middle and high school students.

Proven Success
Nearly 100% of youth completing the OneWorld now program end up enrolling in college. This is especially significant given that 80% of OWN students are eligible for free/reduced lunch.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
OWN participants help break down negative stereotypes toward other cultures (e.g, Arab and/or Muslim) in their communities, acting as ambassadors by learning these critical languages, acquiring leadership skills, and pursuing higher education.

Collaboration
The Seattle Public Schools provides space and credit for OWN language classes; several school-partners also contribute funding for the program. Other key partnerships include the University of Washington (teacher training), the City of Seattle Youth Employment Program (job opportunities), and the Confucius Institute of Washington (support for Chinese program).

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
6/10/2011 $5,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/10/2008 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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