Washington State Coalition for International Education in the 21st Century announces:
 

SUMMIT RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN WASHINGTON STATE

The first Washington State Summit for International Education will be held on September 18th, 2003 thanks to a generous $10,000 grant from the Asia Society. The Summit will address the critical future of International Education in Washington State by bringing together teachers, parents, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies and policy makers to examine how existing resources can be better used to integrate international education into our schools and communities. The Summit will be held at the University of Washington, HUB, from 9:00am – 3:00 pm. Teachers are especially encouraged to attend a Resource Fair and classes with clock hours sponsored by the World Affairs Council from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

The Summit is part of a broader effort led by the recently formed Washington State Coalition for International Education. The Coalition consists of community leaders, non-profits and educators interested in international education. Coalition leader Cynthia Rekdal of WSAME (Washington Sate Association of Multi-cultural Education) welcomes community involvement. "The Coalition is only as strong as its members and we encourage all of those individuals and organizations who understand the fundamental need for a global perspective in today’s world to get involved."

Summit organizers define International Education as learning the knowledge and skills needed to understand and to function productively in today’s interconnected world. Current world events illustrate the critical need for global thinking, understanding, and education in our communities. Washington State is taking a lead, as part of the National Coalition on International Education in the Schools, to leverage and mobilize community resources towards prioritizing global education. Interest in the summit is growing daily and as Project Director Michele Anciaux Aoki says "We’re building momentum and we’re proud that Washington State is taking a leadership role in this national initiative."

The Summit participation is free and open to the public. Bento boxes donated by Uwajimaya will be provided to participants who register in advance. For more information and registration details, please visit: www.internationaledwa.org/summit.htm.

Contact:
Kristin Hayden, 206-799-2877, kristin@internationaledwa.org

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