Great Decisions Discussions
WAC-MHV and the Poughkeepsie Library District have begun collaborating on a series of Great Decisions Discussions. This program, from the Foreign Policy Association, provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year. For more information about the Great Decisions Discussion program and a list of the problems for the year, visit the Foreign Policy Association website.
The World Affairs Council provides expert facilitators to lead the discussions, while the library district offers the venue and materials to support the program. Discussions are held on Mondays at the Boardman Branch Library on the third Monday of each month. These sessions are free and open to the public.
Youth Programs
Academic WorldQuest
The knowledge-based interscholastic competition that focuses on global issues and international affairs; Academic WorldQuest is the flagship program of the World Affairs Councils of America. Each year the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley creates and funds the regional AWQ involving both public and private high schools. The winning team travels to Washington, DC to participate in the national competition.
Summer Scholars
The Summer Scholars Program, supported by the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley and Dutchess BOCES, offers a two-week residential college experience for Dutchess County high school students. Hosted on the Vassar College campus, this highly selective program invites current 10th and 11th-grade students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, intellectual potential, and creativity.
The program challenges students with a rigorous college-level academic curriculum and multidisciplinary projects designed to develop critical thinking and writing skills. Past course topics have included:
- "1968"
- "The 1960s"
- "The Kennedys: An American Family"
- "Cybertalk in the 21st Century: Truth in a World of Alternative Facts"
Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on learning, students gain a deeper understanding of the diverse and complex world we live in—past, present, and future.
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Dutchess BOCES website.
Student World Affairs Conference (SWAC)
The Student World Affairs Conference (SWAC) is an annual academic event in the Mid-Hudson Valley, hosted by the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley. This conference provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to present research on pressing international issues, such as sustainable development, global governance, and human rights while fostering connections with peers and professionals from neighboring colleges and universities.
Model UN Europe
A Model UN occurred in the Czech Republic on November 10, 2010, co-sponsored by the National Collegiate Conference Association (NCCA). Over 300 student delegates participated in NMUN Europe from colleges and universities throughout the United States and Central Europe. The Hudson Valley delegation composed of three Vassar College and three Dutchess Community College students represented the United States of America on the Security Council, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the General Assembly Plenary and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). They were recognized with an Outstanding Delegation Award, an Outstanding Delegate Award, and an Honorable Mention for Position Papers. Interested students must apply at their local high school and be recommended by their guidance or academic counselor.
Teacher Programs
Turkey Program
From 2008 to 2012, the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley (WACMHV) participated in the Turkey Study Tour for Teachers program, a program sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Foundation and made possible by the World Affairs Council of America (WACA).
Oman Program
The Oman Program promotes cross-cultural understanding by exploring the rich history, culture, and global significance of Oman. Through educational initiatives, lectures, and events, the program highlights Oman’s role in international relations, its unique traditions, and its contributions to global peace and diplomacy.