Global Citizenship Certificate

CANTON HIGH SCHOOL GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP CERTIFICATE (GCC)

The Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) is a portfolio credential that directly aligns with our Vision of the Graduate, empowering Canton High School students to document how their language proficiency and cultural experiences develop them as effective global citizens.The certificate pathway is designed to develop students who are innovative thinkers and curious learners. The Global Citizenship Certificate program engages students in personalized learning experiences, including interdisciplinary study, cultural projects, community service, and exchanges, to build their capacity to live, serve, work, and contribute effectively as compassionate citizens in our interconnected world. By embracing these challenges, students develop essential qualities of achievement, resilience, and growth, preparing them to positively impact their world. Students interested in this opportunity should begin the program as early as possible in their high school career, preferably in grade 9, so that they can fulfill all program requirements.

Global Citizenship Certificate Requirements 

Global Citizenship Certificate participants will:

• Demonstrate proficiency and confidence in a second language or multiple languages, including home or heritage languages

• Approach new ideas with curiosity

• Attain knowledge of and show appreciation and respect for cultural differences

• Examine contemporary issues from multiple perspectives

• Engage in global and/or language-specific community service with humility and an open mind

• Contribute with enthusiasm to school activities that promote linguistic and cultural diversity

• Participate in language and cultural exchanges

• Share expertise in languages and cultures with the Canton community

• Actively promote global understanding and the peaceful resolution of conflicts

• Achieve personal growth through goal setting and self-reflection

• Develop projects that allow them to realize their full potential to lead as global citizens

At the end of each year in the program, students reflect on how their coursework and extracurricular learning experiences have helped them become more skilled, informed, culturally competent, and empathetic language learners.  Students are invited to share their reflections and cultural experiences in a public forum for the Canton community. 

In their senior year, GCC students complete a capstone project on a topic of choice. Prior approval of the topic by the World Languages Department Coordinator is required.

Required Courses of Study for Global Citizenship Certificate:

• 4 full-year world languages courses of the same language at Canton High School

• 1elective in a second language (ie - taking level 1 of a new language) or a course where cultural connections can be made (ie - International Business Economics)*

*Attainment of the MA State Seal of Biliteracy award can be substituted for the elective or added to the student's portfolio as an additional credential.

Required Extra-Curricular Participation

Membership and regular participation (3 hours per month) in extra-curricular activities that comprise aspects of language, culture, and/or social justice. A log of participation hours must be kept and submitted to the World Languages Department Coordinator by March of senior year. 

Current clubs and student activities are listed here: https://sites.google.com/cantonma.org/canton-high-school-handbook/athletics-and-student-activities/clubs-and-student-activities

Required Participation in School-Sponsored Exchanges and Travel

International travel allows students to have first-hand experience with the target language and culture and is highly encouraged:

• French Trips or Exchanges

• Italian Trips

• Spanish Trips or Exchanges

• Virtual Classroom Exchanges

*If a school-sponsored exchange or travel opportunity is not possible/available, the student may travel independently and submit (to the World Languages Department Coordinator) a slide deck with photos, as well as a written reflection on the experience and how it connects to their language studies at Canton High School.