Coed, independent, PK3-12th grade school in St. Petersburg, Florida.
727-522-2111
Global Scholars Initiative
The Global Scholars Initiative (GSI) provides students interested in focusing on international studies an opportunity to do so in a structured way, supported by Shorecrest faculty members and other resources in our community. Through the study of world cultures and the acquisition of advanced language skills, participants in the program will gain an appreciation for the significance of human choices upon the planet and all of its inhabitants. In essence, it allows students to “major” in international studies during their high school years. The better understanding of global issues gained by participants will serve as foundational knowledge from which they may make informed choices as responsible world citizens. Students successfully completing GSI requirements earn a special endorsement on their diplomas attesting to their work.
The GSI includes enhanced academic opportunities, attendance at local events with a global focus both as a group and as individuals, participation in foreign travel experiences, and completion of an independent study project on a global topic of their own choosing under the tutelage of faculty and community members.
Students in Grades 9 through 11 are eligible to apply for this program. Required courses are listed in the most recent Upper School Course Catalog.
The GSI includes enhanced academic opportunities, attendance at local events with a global focus both as a group and as individuals, participation in foreign travel experiences, and completion of an independent study project on a global topic of their own choosing under the tutelage of faculty and community members.
Students in Grades 9 through 11 are eligible to apply for this program. Required courses are listed in the most recent Upper School Course Catalog.
The Mission:
The Global Scholars Initiative encourages students to accept the challenges of global citizenship. Through the study of world cultures and the acquisition of advanced language skills, participants in the program gain an appreciation for the significance of human choices upon the planet and all of its inhabitants.
The Process:
The Process:
Collaborating with both a mentor and their peers, students will benefit from classroom and experiential learning opportunities as they grapple with the complicated issues of an increasingly interconnected world. Through an enhanced range of curricular and co-curricular experiences, students in the Global Scholars Initiative will gain first-hand knowledge of contemporary global peoples, cultures, challenges and achievements.
Guest Experts
GSI students convene with on- and off-campus guest speakers (who are experts in their respective fields) to share insights and engage in Q&A sessions on a wide range of global topics.
Some GSI Speakers included:
Dr. Luz Nagle, Stetson University of Law
Christo Brand, former prison guard and friend to Nelson Mandela
2nd Lieutenant William Edmonds, Intelligence Officer - U.S. Army
Lauren Grimanis, Founder of The Akaa Project
Ernesto Marquez, Cuban émigré; lawyer
Benjamin Bartley, Senior VP for Marketing, BiC
BG Jens Prastegaard, Commander of the Coalition Forces at MacDill AFB
Prof. William Felice, Eckerd College
Prof. Jason Palmer, Stetson University of Law
Ryan Hauck, film collaborator (Sweet Crude)
Lt. Commander Richard Witt, Navy SEAL
Chloe Vega, Selah Freedom’s Teen Prevention Program Leader
Lt. Commander Richard Witt, Navy SEAL
Chloe Vega, Selah Freedom’s Teen Prevention Program Leader
The GSI Project
In addition to specific course requirements for GSI (outlined in the Course Catalog) each GSI student completes a long-term, independent study project on a topic of choice approved by the GSI Board, working with a wide array of resources. The finished projects will be presented to other GSI participants, the GSI Board, and other interested members of the Shorecrest community during 2nd semester of the students’ senior year.
A Sampler of Prior GSI Student Project Topics:
A Sampler of Prior GSI Student Project Topics:
- International Museum Education: The Louvre, The Met in NYC, and the Dali
- The Role of Varian Fry in Holocaust Rescues
- The Chocolate Trade and its Effects on the Environment and Child Labor in West Africa
- HIV / AIDS: International Attitudes
- PTSD in Civilian Wartime Populations
- Building a Charitable Partnership with a School in Chennai, India
- Global Branding: Two Case Studies
- Saving an Orphanage in the Dominican Republic
Mentoring
Mentoring will bring all of the above together. Shorecrest teachers and GSI students will work and learn together. Community Time and Consultation create regular opportunities for meeting together, for doing research, and for reaching out to community resources as students prepare their independent study projects.
GSI Application Process
- Students will be sent a GSI application at the end of their ninth grade year
- Students will attend an interview with the GSI Board at the beginning of their tenth grade year
- Application decisions will be sent to students by late September of their tenth grade year
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GSI students with Fred Fleitz, Center for Security Policy -
James Sasser, Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to China -
Tahli Hanuka, Stand With Us -
Brigadier General Jens Praestegaard, Danish Army -
Ryan Hauck, documentary film maker -
Dr. Luz Nagle, Stetson University College of Law -
Jason Palmer, Stetson University College of Law -
Sandrine, Rwandan Genocide Survivor -
GSI Students at Dr. Jane Goodall Lecture
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 First Street Northeast
St Petersburg, FL 33703
Phone: (727) 522-2111 | Fax: (727) 527-4191
[Map]
Privacy Policy | Faculty
St Petersburg, FL 33703
Phone: (727) 522-2111 | Fax: (727) 527-4191
[Map]
Privacy Policy | Faculty
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Shorecrest Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students preschool through high school, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Shorecrest acknowledges its obligation to prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin sex, citizenship status, genetic information, handicap or disability in admissions, access, employment, tuition assistance, educational policies, or other school administered student and employee programs and activities. Questions regarding the School’s compliance with the application and administration of the School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Kristine Grant, Head of Middle School, 5101 First Street Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33703, (727)-522-2111, kgrant@shorecrest.org or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Please refer to the School’s Non-Discrimination Compliance Policy on the School’s website for information on how to file complaints with OCR.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Shorecrest acknowledges its obligation to prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin sex, citizenship status, genetic information, handicap or disability in admissions, access, employment, tuition assistance, educational policies, or other school administered student and employee programs and activities. Questions regarding the School’s compliance with the application and administration of the School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Kristine Grant, Head of Middle School, 5101 First Street Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33703, (727)-522-2111, kgrant@shorecrest.org or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Please refer to the School’s Non-Discrimination Compliance Policy on the School’s website for information on how to file complaints with OCR.