GlobalSchoolNet.org

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Connecting Youth Through Volunteerism - A Sampling of Amazing Projects from Escondido Charter High School

I spent an amazing day at Escondido Charter High School... with the students involved with the US-Russia CyberFair projects that connect youth through volunteerism.

I was totally blown away by their ambitious projects. Here are a few examples... and believe me, the descriptions barely due justice to their efforts.

International Education Documentary
I am creating a film about the positive things in American education. My goal is to bring American students closer to the rest of the world. My film is opposite of the film "Waiting For Superman." With my documentary, people will become aware of new types of education that bring an international perspective on the world.  This video documentary has been sponsored by the Energized Students Foundation. A Hollywood Film Crew has been sent to film what started out as a cultural differences film into a full blown International Documentary about education. This project highlights the flawed American education system and makes students and parents aware of other education opportunities in America and over seas.

We Can Help Phone App
My project is to create an iPhone/Android application that will contribute donations to Orphanages in Shanghai, China.  My community is an innovative group of students, who are working on a set of international projects in shanghai to better themselves in understanding International business and Entrepreneurship.

Smaller House, Better Home
My project is building a new homes in Escondido. The home models I am using are from the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon -  which is a competition that happens every 2 years. In this competition, universities from all over the world are challenged to build the most energy-efficient, cost-efficient home, that is both functional and attractive. My goal is to build the nicest home as cheaply as possible. I will be using the 2011 winner WaterShed by the University of Maryland.

Broadway Workshops
We are a group of high school students that are bringing the Broadway experience to other countries. We want to share the opportunities that we have been able to experience with those who do not have the same resources that we do. We will be traveling to China and performing short excepts from different Broadway musical at orphanages in China.

Connections Through Music
The name of my project is Musicakin. My project is an online community for musicians. It is basically a website that I will build. The website will offer an opportunity for any musician worldwide, regardless of age, skill, artist, hobbyist, location, etc., to connect with each other. Using my website, musicians will be able to collaborate, follow artists, make their own bands, share lessons, learn lessons, get together and jam with friends, and a few other things. There will also be a classified ad section where they could sell and/or buy equipment.

Learn More:
http://www.globalschoolnet.org/gsncf/volunteerism/)