The Junior Council on World Affairs Affairs is a student-oriented, integral program of the Dayton Council on World Affairs. JCOWA contributes to building networks among Greater Dayton area schools.

The program strives to:

• Enrich Ohio and national education content standards
• Promote global thinking; develop critical thinking and conflict resolution skills
• Combine development of team spirit and cooperation atmosphere with competitiveness and motivation for high individual achievements
• Provide a forum for students to explore the dynamics of the international events and to explore their relevance to their everyday lives

JCOWA Programs include:

• Speakers at school is a new program dedicated to key issues on the domestic and foreign policy agenda. It is designed to bring major speakers to area schools for interaction with local students.


• Southwest Ohio Youth Forum is a program aimed at facilitating student opinions and perspectives on the U.S. foreign policy priorities. It brings together students from different schools, develops their global analytical and critical thinking skills, and stimulates their reflections.


• International Quiz Bowl is an academic competition focused on current events, politics, geography and culture. It stimulates students knowledge about the world, complements their competencies in social studies, history, geography and world culture and expands students curiosity and desire for a broader social learning.


• Great Decisions is Foreign Policy Association (FPA) educational program introduced as a school based program for Dayton area high schools. Used as a basic textbook or as supplemental material in the classroom, Great Decisions help teachers integrate current and critical world issues into courses in U.S. history, world history, economics, government and current affairs.


• Academic WorldQuest in Washington, D.C. is a program sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). It is a team competition involving knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, culture, flags, current events and more. The winning team in JCOWA's International Quiz Bowl has the opportunity to compete in the national WorldQuest thanks to the Andrew W. Gillan Fund.

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