I am a Global Scholar
Collaborative, hands-on, virtual projects for K-12 students in Africa and the U.S.
“Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of geography, has the tools to succeed in the 21st-century global village.”
— Dr. Coulibaly, Program Director & Founder of Empowering African Youth, Inc
Empowering African Youth, Inc. believes that all K–12 students must be equipped to thrive in a world where cross-cultural collaboration and multilingual communication are the norm, and where competition for opportunities is truly global.
However, many students in both the U.S. and Africa have limited exposure to the world beyond their classrooms and local communities. This lack of global engagement can hinder their ability to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Compounding this challenge is a growing global literacy crisis, which further limits students’ access to opportunity and understanding.
To bridge these gaps, Empowering African Youth launched the I Am A Global Scholar program—an innovative initiative designed to prepare K–12 students in the U.S. and Africa with the knowledge, STEAM skills, social-emotional intelligence, communication abilities, and cross-cultural competencies essential for success in the 21st-century global village.
What does the I Am A Global Scholar Program offer to K12 Schools?
Interactive & Collaborative Global Learning:
Live Zoom sessions during regular class periods where U.S. and African students collaborate on hands-on, interdisciplinary projects in Math, Science, French, Social Studies, ELA, and the Arts. These experiences build critical thinking, creativity, and cross-cultural competency.
Imagine your students learning side by side with peers in Africa, sharing ideas, cultures, and dreams. Sign up your classroom or school today and make it happen!
Here’s an example of an interactive, collaborative global learning experience: In April 2022, students from Meridian High School (Falls Church City Public Schools, Virginia) partnered with peers from Tsevie High School in Togo, West Africa, to design and build a functional water filtration system, demonstrating the power of cross-cultural teamwork and real-world problem solving.
STEM project: Water Filtration System built by students in Tsevie, Togo
Global Literacy & World Language Development:
The I Am A Global Scholar program offers weekly online sessions focused on reading fluency, comprehension, and conversational skills. Through live Zoom classes, parents can choose for their child to strengthen literacy using culturally relevant texts or learn conversational African languages, English, and French. These sessions promote multilingualism, enhance literacy, and boost confidence, empowering students to thrive in a global community.
Boost your child’s reading skills! Join our 30-minute live sessions on Zoom or Google Meet. Choose English, an African Language, or French. Make reading fun, cultural, and inspiring!
Global Service Learning Trips:
The I Am A Global Scholar program provides K–12 students in the U.S. and Africa with a unique opportunity to engage in immersive educational and service-learning experiences across both continents. These 7–10 day trips offer real-world exposure to global cultures, history, and innovation. During the program, students attend classes, explore cultural and historical landmarks, and participate in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects spanning STEM, Math, Science, French, Social Studies, English Language Arts (ELA), and the Arts.
Don’t just teach. Immerse! Teachers or Assistant principals, Sign up now to plan your classroom or school field trip to Africa and inspire global thinkers!
Volunteer Opportunities for Faith-Based Groups
No experience is necessary to volunteer, and all faith communities are welcome.
At our learning center in Africa, we’ll equip you with everything you need. Opportunities include academic support, youth mentoring, and hands-on activities in STEM, literacy, arts, languages, farming, and more. We can even tailor experiences for your group, whether you want to focus on elementary, middle, or high school students. Volunteering together provides a way for your faith group to have fun together while transforming the life trajectories of K12 students in Africa and the U.S.
U.S. Literacy Crisis at a Glance:
Literacy disparities in the United States remain a major barrier to educational equity. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—also known as the Nation’s Report Card—4th-grade reading and 8th-grade math scores have regressed to levels seen 30 and 25 years ago, respectively.
Among 8th graders, just 10% of Black and 14% of Latino students reached proficiency, compared to 38% of White students (NAEP, 2024).
Only 16% of Black and 20% of Latino 4th graders scored at or above the proficient level in reading, compared to 42% of White students (NAEP, 2024)
School to Prision Pipeline
The consequences of low literacy extend beyond academics.
The school-to-prison pipeline is a stark reality:
85% of juveniles who interact with the court system are functionally low-literate (NCES, 2019).
According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade are likely to end up incarcerated or on welfare.
African Literacy Crisis at a Glance:
Only 1 in 5 children in Africa achieves minimum reading proficiency by the end of elementary school (UNESCO, 2024).
Between 2012 and 2023, the number of out-of-school children increased by 20 million (UNESCO, 2024).
1 in 3 children does not complete elementary school on time, and 1 in 4 never completes it (UNESCO, 2024).
“Literacy is not just an educational issue—it’s a matter of justice, equity, and opportunity. Addressing these gaps requires global collaboration, targeted interventions, and community-driven solutions.”
— Dr. Coulibaly, Program Director & Founder of Empowering African Youth, Inc