Global Minnesota

Programs: K-12 education programs support minnesota educators and students in their efforts to learn more about the world and develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for success in todays global society. The program includes three components: classroom connection brings the worlds cultures directly to minnesota elementary school children. Students, teachers, and international speakers come together for a series of interactive cross-cultural conversations and lessons that support minnesota education standards. This year, classroom connection engaged nearly 1,500 students for more than 4,000 hours of cross-cultural learning. (see schedule o for additional information) academic worldquest is an international knowledge competition that challenges high school students to think globally and quiz locally about critical issues facing the u. S. And world. This past year, 164 students competing on 41 teams representing schools from across the state participated in academic worldquest. Global discussions in the schools is a diverse and applicable current events curriculum for high school students. Through in-depth analysis of todays top foreign policy topics, students go beyond the headlines and become active participants in the world community.

discussion groups are based on the foreign policy associations great decisions program and offer individuals from across the state the opportunity to explore the years most important international issues and foreign policy topics. They provide an alternative to international digital news and social media and bring together friends, colleagues, and neighbors who share a passion or curiosity for global issues. Global minnesota coordinates the largest great decisions discussion group program in the country and builds additional programs around the eight critical topics including a free monthly presentation by a local expert. (see schedule o for additional information) global minnesota also collaborates with the minneapolis star tribune to present monthly opinions on a great decisions topic. This past year, 54 groups convened 298 great decisions meetings with total attendance of more than 7,600.

professional exchanges bring emerging young leaders from around the world to minnesota for cultural and professional exchange opportunities. Global minnesota connects local industry experts and participating visitors to foster awareness about international issues and cultivate effective exchange of industry best practices. Global minnesota serves as the states premier coordinator of the u. S. Department of states international visitor leadership program and partners with public and private institutions to create custom professional exchange opportunities. Minnesota is a top destination for international visitors, and this year global minnesota hosted 591 program participants from over 100 countries.

world affairs events, the public face of global minnesota, are unique and diverse opportunities that go beyond international headlines, spark cultural conversations within communities, and connect audiences with some of the worlds best thinkers. Events range from presentations with high- caliber international speakers and diplomats, to experiencing a blend of culture and cuisine at local restaurants, and networking with globally- minded people at a local brewery. This past year, global minnesota produced 76 events with total attendance of 6,500.