Global Scholars Diploma

NOTE: This standard is open ONLY to seniors who have successfully completed Years 1 & 2 of the Global Scholars program. Full directions can be found in the Take Action Project syllabus in the Year 3 Google Classroom.


By the end of Year 3, all students should have completed and presented a Take Action Project, which includes

  1. selecting and researching a global issue about which they are passionate,

  2. creating a plan for something they can do individually in collaboration with community organizations and their advisors to make a difference on this issue, and

  3. implementing an ongoing action project that creates a sustainable, positive impact aimed at solving the global issue.

While every project will require some research at the outset, the Take Action project is not meant to be a research project alone; the research should lead the student to make contact with local stakeholders who work on the issue and identify a way or ways to contribute to solving the chosen issue.

In order to graduate from the Global Scholars program, the Take Action Project must meet or exceed the expectations outlined in the following rubric:

  1. Demonstrates a clear linkage between the ‘global’ and ‘local’, i.e., the student demonstrates an understanding that global issues (e.g., climate change, food security, poverty, clean water, gender-based violence) are tied to actions in one’s local community and/or have intersections with local issues

  2. Demonstrates thorough research of the global issue addressed and how that issue affects other countries and/or the globe as a whole (must submit research per instructions in Worksheet 2)

  3. Implements a local, tangible solution aimed at solving the larger global issue

  4. Demonstrates that a particular skill or mindset necessary for solving the issue is being passed along to the local community and will continue beyond the scope of the project

  5. Includes collaboration with at least one professional or organization that informs, impacts, or partners with the student on the Take Action project (must submit proof per worksheet instructions).


Examples of past projects that exceed expectations:

The proposal and implementation of a new education policy at Reynoldsburg district to improve sex education by requiring that a health class be taken prior to 10th grade

The establishment of a Women in Engineering afterschool program at elementary schools in the Olentangy school district

The implementation of an ESL (English as a Second Language) program within Westerville High School

The creation of a Blessing Box at West Muskingum High School where an organization within the school ensures and oversees that the box is continuously stocked with food goods that are free to community members in need

The creation of a free store within Reynoldsburg High School that, each year, sorts through lost and found items, as well as donations, and offers/displays them to members of the community for free

The establishment of plastic and glass recycling bins at Marion High School, which are emptied at no charge by a local recycling company