Academics
Distinguished Programs

Global Scholars Program

Start a Pathway in a Global Career

Students who participate in the Saint Joseph Academy Scholars Program will be prepared to thrive as inventive collaborators and agents of change for our global community. Participants will develop cross-cultural knowledge and communications skills and excel at thinking critically about global change. This is accomplished through the attainment of a deep understanding of the interconnected and interdependent nature of the world and the importance of establishing personal connections. Rigorous study begins in the classroom but extends into real-life experience through meaningful experiential and service-learning, as well as cultural immersion experiences. Students in this program will gain real-world experiences that build on intercultural lessons explored in and outside the classroom. This engaging way of study helps students determine global career interests to pursue in college.  

  • Kate Flannery ’20, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Class of 2024

    Duquesne University
    The degree of challenge included in the Honors and AP® classes at Saint Joseph Academy prepared me for the difficult classes I would take as a biomedical engineering major. The curriculum and teachers pushed me to think harder and more creatively than I ever would have been able to do myself. The all-girls education created a comfortable environment that allowed me to stand up for myself and become more confident in my learning. This type of environment bred the confidence needed for me to thrive in a profession led primarily by males. Attending an all-girls school taught me how to uplift and support the other females in my future degree rather than feeling as though I have to compete with them. When it comes to my participation in the Global Scholars Program, I learned how to take chances, become more of a leader and be more open-minded. Words cannot express how grateful I am for my time spent involved in this program. I have made so many memories, friendships, and connections that will last me a lifetime. The Global Scholars Program encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone; traveling and hosting instilled a sense of bravery in me that will follow me through all my endeavors. When taking similar classes during my first year at Duquesne University, it was evident that I was much further along than some of my peers and it is all thanks to my education at Saint Joseph Academy.

  • Lauren Adler ’07, Senior Accountant, Mazzella Companies

    Bachelor of Business Administration, Loyola University Chicago
    Saint Joseph Academy provides so many opportunities to help prepare for college and the working world. One of the best experiences I had at the Academy was a trip to Rome with my Latin class. It was an incredible lesson in culture, in world history and in the Church's history. We witnessed history Pope John Paul II's final papal blessing to the crowds in St. Peter's Square. This experience later led me to participate in a study abroad program in college. One of the best things about Saint Joseph Academy is how in four years, it shapes young girls into independent and critical-thinking women with a passion for serving others for the rest of their lives. Giving us the tools to succeed in this world while at the same time knowing that we serve a greater purpose than just ourselves. We are living in a world that keeps getting smaller, so getting as much exposure, understanding and immersion of different kinds of cultures is key to any kind of career path.

  • Carina Van Vliet, Chief Executive Officer

    Cleveland Council on World Affairs
    Having served at the United Nations, my global education was absolutely key in shaping my career choices and helping me succeed on that path. I was a Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations, and my degrees in Political Science and International Relations informed my ability to provide international analysis to the Secretary-General. For me, global education was beyond academics, and included many amazing life experiences that sparked my curiosity, including participating in an exchange program in Austria. Later on, I took advantage of study abroad programs to visit China, Chile and Italy, and continue to learn World Languages and explore other cultures. Everything about my global education both inside and outside the classroom gave me the academic and cultural knowledge to successfully work as an international diplomat at the United Nations.

Program Milestones

List of 6 items.

  • Academic

    Includes four semesters of a World Language, a Global Scholars Independent Study course with the incorporation of an online portfolio and at least one additional globally-minded course.

  • Cultural Immersion

    Invites students to participate in cultural experiences in the United States and abroad.

  • Service Learning

    Fosters empathy, responsibility and self-confidence and encourages students to actively create inclusive environments.

  • Community/Global Events

    Promotes leadership and societal involvement as students participate in activities ranging from global dialogues, virtual immersions and renowned speaker discourses on a variety of topics.

  • Personal Exploration

    Encourages students to explore their own personal identity as it connects to our worldwide community.

  • Junior Professional Shadowing

    Students will select their Junior Professional Shadowing experience in an opportunity/organization that contributes to broadening their overall global perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Who can apply?

    Students who are interested in becoming agents for global and social change are invited to apply to the Global Scholars Program. The program accepts interested students during the second semester of their Freshman and Sophomore years. Junior students may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

  • How do I apply?

    The Global Scholars Program Application Process consists of three stages, including the completion of an initial application form, an interview with the Global Program Director and final notification of acceptance into the program. The Global Scholars Program begins in 10th grade and ends upon graduation in 12th grade.

  • Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

    There is no minimum GPA required for the Global Scholars Program. Since many of the Global Scholars Program opportunities occur while class is in session, students are expected to be in good academic standing in order to participate in those activities.

  • What courses are offered?

    Students who aspire to be Global Program Scholars should take the Independent Global Scholar Course, four World Language courses, a course set in a global context (as approved by the Global Program Director) and should consider the recommended elective courses.

  • Is there a faith component?

    Yes. Through the charism of Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, the program prepares young women to live the Gospel through prayer, reflection and service to the “dear neighbor.” Service-learning is an intentional, reflective process that develops empathy and compassion.

  • What is experiential learning?

    Experiential learning involves learning environments that extend beyond the classroom and provide students with authentic experiences in preparation for global competency. Each student will develop her capacity to serve others with empathy, knowledge, compassion and skill through reflective engagement in immersive learning, shadowing, external classes, field trips, cultural immersion, personal exploration and service-learning.

  • Who do I contact for more information?

    Contact Global Program Director at global@sja1890.org.

Ms. Rebecca Levis

You are invited to explore the Global Scholars Program at Saint Joseph Academy. This program is designed for students to experience global disciplines in an integrated, engaging way. Learn the prerequisite skills and gain the confidence necessary to become highly successful in a college environment, whether you choose to study abroad, pursue international business, law, entrepreneurship or government. By participating in this program, students will stand out among peers when applying to colleges and universities. Please feel free to contact the Interim Global Program Director at global@sja1890.org.

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