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School of Diplomacy and International Relations

Educating Future Diplomats: Seton Hall's School of Diplomacy and Newark Global Studies High School Expand Collaboration  

Newark School of Global StudiesThe Newark Board of Education and the Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy and International Relations agreed on a partnership in 2020 to help establish the curriculum for the Newark School of Global Studies, which had just opened. In Spring 2023, the Newark high school is in the process of creating new courses with the School of Diplomacy in an effort to grow the number of students who can participate in the program during the academic year 2023–2024.

As part of Seton Hall's broader commitment to promoting global awareness and understanding among young people and the School of Diplomacy's commitment to building a pipeline of diverse candidates for careers in international affairs, the partnership with the Newark Global Studies High School aims to give students access to Seton Hall's resources, such as guest speakers, research opportunities, conferences and seminars, interaction with diplomats and scholars, and the possibility to participate in Model United Nations competitions.

Martin S. Edwards, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Diplomacy School at Seton Hall, states, "When the Newark School of Global Studies was founded, we knew they would be a natural partner. We are elated to partner with them through Project Acceleration to help their students earn college credits, and we can't wait to see how their graduates change the world."

The new program this partnership has developed, the Diplomacy Academy, offers a comprehensive four-year program that allows high school students to delve into the realm of international relations and gain college credit. The School of Diplomacy is responsible for reviewing and approving syllabi for three Freshman and Sophomore level classes related to international relations, ethnopolitical landscapes, and international conflict and security.

These college-credit courses were created through Project Acceleration, a concurrent enrollment program run by Seton Hall University's College of Arts and Sciences that has been allowing high school students in New Jersey and New York to jumpstart their college careers since 1978. More than 200 colleges and universities accept the college credits obtained through Project Acceleration. Presently, 3000 students take Project Acceleration courses each year at the 175 high schools that offer them.

While Professors at Seton Hall's School of Diplomacy may not be training teachers in the traditional sense, their involvement in the curriculum design process ensures that the classes offered meet certain standards and provide students with a solid foundation in international relations.

Participating in Project Acceleration gives students the chance to earn up to 9 college credits from Seton Hall University at zero cost through the funding of the high school's district. By taking advantage of this, students can get a head start on their college education while still in high school, saving them time and money in the long run.

Furthermore, Project Acceleration gives students an academic edge over their peers, allowing them to improve their chances of succeeding in college and in future careers.

"By participating in college courses while in high school, students are able to see themselves in less common majors. This creates diversity in the job market, as students are not flooding similar degrees and allowing themselves more opportunities in their post-college careers," says Francesca Phillippy, Project Acceleration/External Scholarships and Fellowships Adviser at Seton Hall.

In addition to providing educational opportunities for high school students, the partnership also benefits Seton Hall's School of Diplomacy and International Relations. This collaboration allows Seton Hall faculty members to share their expertise and knowledge with the next generation of global leaders and helps the University identify talented students who may be interested in pursuing degrees in international relations. Alumni from the Diplomacy program also serve as mentors for high school students.

The partnership between Seton Hall's School of Diplomacy and International Relations and Newark Global Studies High School is a unique in-depth learning experience for high school students who want to set themselves up for success in college and beyond. It is a great example of how universities and high schools can work together to provide high-quality education for young people passionate about global issues and diplomacy.

For more on the Diplomacy Academy, click here.

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