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What is the Global Connect Program?
A PHS signature academic program for students passionate about global awareness and committed to driving positive change for the future. The Global Connect program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand diverse perspectives and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Over the course of their high school experience, students in the Global Connect program will pursue an intellectual and experiential path that focuses on globally-based courses, world language study, immersive travel, service learning, and a senior Capstone research project centered around a global initiative.
Students will house their experiences in a Global Portfolio, which will include reflections of their high school experiences through a global lens, aligned with the UN Global Goals and global competencies. Participation in our signature program helps to build global literacy and 21st century skills. Upon successful completion, submission, review and presentations of their Global Portfolios by our Faculty Advisors, students will be awarded a PHS Global Scholar endorsement upon graduation.
This program is offered to all PHS students who are interested in making larger connections to our global society through leadership and immersive experiences. Participants in the program are required to attend bi-monthly Flex Seminars, where we explore global issues, engage in immersive activities, and support students in developing their Global Portfolios. These seminars are a vital component of the program, enabling advisors and students to collaborate in achieving global competency goals.
Are you interested in becoming a Global Scholar?
As we move through the spring semester, keep an eye out for global events at PHS, including World Awareness Week in April and other globally-focused Flex enrichment opportunities! If you’re considering enrolling in the program, be sure to account for the program requirements (see below) when planning your course registration for next year.
When you’re ready to join, complete the application form by September 12, 2025. Program advisors will contact applicants at the start of the 2025–2026 school year with additional program details, a calendar of Flex Seminar dates, and guidance on next steps.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Mrs. McGrimley (amcgrimley@sau52.org) or Ms. Wemple (hwemple@sau52.org).
Global Connect Program Requirements
- Global Coursework
Global Scholars have a variety of globally-focused courses they can take during their high school experience. These courses are not limited to subject area, but rather span all disciplines. Depending on the pathway students choose for their high school experience, all Global Scholars will reflect on their coursework through their Global Portfolio and make connections to the global competencies they've selected to guide their journey.
Earn a B or higher in Global Perspectives & Studies (GPS) & Ecology
3 Global-Centered Elective Courses (Look for the "Global" filter in the Program of Studies) - Minimum of 1.5 credits
2 Globally-focused Assignments per school year (6 total) that will be uploaded to your Global Portfolio. Students will provide an explanation for how these assignments are globally-focused and make connections to specific UN Global Goals. These assignments can be from any class, including the global-centered electives.
- World Language
Global Scholars are required to learn and be proficient at least one world language:
Complete up to Level 4 of a language, or
Pass an Intermediate-Mid or higher on all sections of the AAPPL test
- Immersive Cultural Experience
Immersive cultural experiences allow Global Scholars to undertake a journey of discovery that opens up a world of possibilities for academic, cross-cultural, and personal growth. Being completely surrounded with the newness of an unfamiliar place, whether close to home or abroad, allows students to encounter new perspectives that challenge their worldview and spark bold solutions to critical issues. The main goals of these immersive experiences are for PHS Global Scholars to embrace various cultures that are uniquely different from ours while also recognizing the similarities of what make us all global citizens.
International travel is highly encouraged to fulfill the immersive experience requirement for the program. However, the requirement does not obligate students to travel outside of the country. For some Global Scholars, the immersive experience may take the shape of hosting an exchange student for a semester. For others, who may have moved to Portsmouth from other states or countries, the immersive experience might be the time spent as a student at PHS, whose community identity differs from that of home. Students who are considering an immersive experience that does not include travel should speak to the faculty advisory team ahead of time.
Post-trip presentations and reflections will be embedded in the Global Portfolio.
To learn about upcoming trips that meet this requirement, see the PHS Travel Opportunities page.
- Service
Community service is a large part of the Global Connect Program. Determining service opportunities is something that students should think deeply about. Your service work will be ongoing, throughout your four year experience. Students should select service opportunities connected to their Global Goals and reflect on them each year in their Global Portfolios. Global Scholars are required to earn a minimum of 20 service hours per year (sophomore to senior year). Students can fulfill this requirement in many different ways:
Take Service Learning, internship or ELO class
Participate in a service trip (through PHS or outside program)
Volunteer with local organizations
- Local Enrichment
Local enrichment activities with a global focus are offered throughout the year, both in and out of school. Our Global Scholars are encouraged to engage in these events and make connections to their global paths. Reflections to their local enrichments activities will be cited in their Global Portfolios. Participation in three local enrichment activities per school year are required. Some activities include:
Shared Studios Portal (series of connections)
Contribution to the Stories that Unite Us website
Demonstrate leadership with World Awareness Week & Global Summit
Flex presentation - Present or organize and promote a guest speaker
Capstone Research Project
Capstone Research Project
Students in the Global Connect program will complete a senior capstone research project based on personal and academic interests. Students will create an essential question that focuses the project around one or more of the UN Global Goals. Students will read published works on their subject, write a research paper, create a product, and present their project. While the capstone can be completed independently with oversight from a faculty advisor, it is highly encouraged that Global Connect students enroll in the English Capstone Project class during senior year.
Global Portfolio
Global Portfolio
By the end of senior year, PHS Global Scholars will have created a digital portfolio that documents their global experiences throughout high school. The portfolio will be a collection of reflections, photos, and notes that illustrate how the student has fulfilled each of the program requirements: Global Coursework, World Language, Immersive Experience, Service, Local Enrichment, and Capstone Research. Faculty advisors will review the portfolios and encourage students to continue adding their experiences throughout their sophomore, junior, and senior years.
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