Oneworld now! was founded in Seattle, Washington in 2002. At that time, we launched a pilot program at Ingraham High School in North Seattle with just 12 students. Since then, own expanded to include students from every high school in the Seattle public school district and has served over 1,500 youth, most of whom are low-income and youth of color in the Seattle area. In addition, own expanded its full program to James Campbell high school, the largest public high school in Hawai‘i, in 2010.
an innovative model
underserved youth have historically had the least access to international learning opportunities. Oneworld now! Is making a significant difference in our students’ lives. Own was a pioneer when it was founded in a post-9/11 climate, yet our mission and vision seem just as critical today as it was back then! Own has been recognized as “one of the nation’s most innovative after school programs” by the jack kent cooke foundation, and the own founder, kristin hayden, was elected as an ashoka fellow for recognizing “innovative solutions and the potential to change patterns across society. ” own’s award-winning program model in seattle and hawai‘i offers a new and integrated approach to developing the next generation of global leaders.
oneworld now! Is an award-winning and innovative social venture that exists to develop the next generation of global leaders. Own is committed to providing critical language skills, leadership training, and study abroad opportunities to underserved youth. We are innovative in that we are one of the only programs in the nation that
spends at least one year preparing youth by providing language and leadership training to ensure their success abroad
focuses on providing access to study abroad opportunities to mostly low-income youth and students of color
teaches arabic, chinese and korean, three strategically important languages that are not typically offered in american public schools
offer an integrated and holistic program of language, leadership, and study abroad
increased access to critical language learning during and after school
increased access to study abroad opportunities, especially to underserved youth
promoting the “gap year” for all american youth to consider spending a year abroad volunteering and studying languages between high school and college
oneworld now! Is developing global leaders by supporting our youth in being successful in all areas of their lives. Beyond the language, leadership, and study abroad program, own supports youth through mentorship, college prep, and networking for scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Our passionate and committed staff, teachers, and volunteers reflect the oneworld now! Students, who inspire us every day. Together we are all working towards creating a world that acknowledges how we are all connected and all responsible for each other’s well-being. We are…oneworld…and the time to contribute positively is now! .
oneworld now! ‘s vision is to increase access to international opportunities, namely critical language studies, leadership development, and study abroad to all american youth. Our award-winning program in seattle, washington demonstrates the successful implementation of our innovative program model of language, leadership, and study abroad for underserved youth, who have historically had the least access to these life-changing opportunities. Own works with students, teachers, parents, school districts, college and universities, and communities nationwide to support this vision.