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 at Vassar College is open to Dutchess County high school students. It offers a two weeks’ residential college experience on the Vassar campus and a rigorous college-level academic program. Course topics have included: “1968” (2010); “The 1960s” (2011). In 2012, the topic is “The Kennedys: An American Family.” The course involves lectures-discussions, helping students develop critical writing and thinking skills, and making them aware of the diverse and complex world we live now and in the future as well as the past.  Information on whether the program will be offered in 2014 will be forthcoming.

Model UN Europe
A Model UN occurred in the Czech Republic 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.