For today's students, landing a 21st century education means more than taking classes and earning good grades.  Even after school activities-sports, drama, band, and other clubs-are not enough if students want to be competitive at the university level and in the subsequent workforce.

World Language Coordinator and Spanish Honor Society Sponsor Mary Pistorino understands the challenges facing students who want to be competitive in a global economy, and she launched the school's first Global Citizenship program in West Bridgewater.

"More and more high schools and universities are incorporating Global Citizen programs to help students develop a more global mindset," said Pistorino. "This is a sort of honors program, in that kids apply to become part of the program and they will have extra work to do.  When they graduate and have completed the program, they will receive a special honor cord as well as a notation on their transcript that they successfully completed this program."

Among the program requirements are special courses, regular meetings with a faculty advisor, development of an original global exploration project, opportunities to explore holidays, cuisine, and activities from other cultures, and participation in global communication.  Students may engage in community service, travel, collaborate in online projects with students internationally, and participate in learning to heighten their understanding of diverse cultures.

"I think the value of the Global Citizenship program is that it helps us to see how other countries think," said senior Anna Comperchio.  "I want to be a chemical engineer and make products that benefit the environment and help people across country borders and this shows people a bigger purpose and I think it's good to stay informed.  This program deals with issues with no one correct answer and education is how you solve problems and it helps you make an informed decision."

Students interested in the Global Citizenship program may apply during their freshman or sophomore year.  Part of the program participation involves creation of a global resume, highlighting special courses and other activities the students complete during their high school years.

At a Global Citizenship meeting this past week, students watched an educational video about ISIS and the recent attacks in Paris and Kenya and helped plan a Power Block festival celebrating the Indian New Year holiday called Diwali.

"I like the portfolio because it keeps us on track with projects we can do what we're supposed to be learning," said Katie Lawson, a senior. "It's very important in a job where you need that global basis."

Senior Alison Wyman agrees with the value of the Global Citizenship program and portfolio work.  "Overall with the entire program, it's great," said Wyman.  "We're a very small school that lacks diversity and this educates us on other cultures and countries and Ms. Pistorino does a great job educating us."

"We just started this and we're trying to build a program," added Pistorino.

Among the goals of the program are an understanding of global issues and an emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution, examination of contemporary issues from a variety of perspectives, the attainment of personal growth through reflection, a demonstration of proficiency in at least one second language, and participation in community service.

"We focus on something we're interested in and it makes us globally aware," said Wyman.  "I love to run, so my project is based on different countries and different training techniques and it interests me and I'm learning a lot."