Overview

Established in 1974, the EAP is a partnership program of DCPS and Washington Performing Arts. The EAP is a unique education program that exposes DCPS students to international perspectives and cross-cultural lessons. Through direct interactions with embassies and other global entities—including consular offices, government offices, representative offices, and others—fifth and sixth grade students attending DC Public Schools have the opportunity to learn about the language, customs, history and culture of their partner’s home country and culture. Fifth and sixth grade teachers can learn more about how to apply by visiting dcpsglobaled.org. 

Student Experience

The Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) is an academic year global education program that affords fifth and sixth grade students the unique opportunity to expand their global awareness through direct interactions with diplomats from around the world.

Elementary school: Fifth grade teachers host their diplomat partners for at least 3 classroom visits or field trips over the course of the school year, so that students can explore other cultures, languages, history, and perspectives on international issues. In the spring, students participate in the EAP’s Mini United Nations simulation, where they debate climate change. To cap off their year in the program, students prepare and deliver a Capstone Presentation to showcase what they have learned through the program.

Middle school: Sixth grade teachers host their diplomat partner for at least 1 day-long visit over the course of the school year, so that multiple sections of students in a content area can explore other cultures, languages, history, and perspectives on international issues. In the spring, students participate in the EAP’s Mini United Nations simulation, where they debate natural disaster responses. At the end of the year, students prepare and deliver a Capstone Presentation to showcase what they have learned through the program.

Program Highlights

• This competitive program hinges on teachers’ global competence and their ability to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities in partnership with embassies and other diplomatic entities
• To date, the EAP has connected DCPS classrooms with over 100 embassies and other diplomatic entities, serving more than 50,000 students from all 8 wards
• The EAP has received various accolades, including the US Department of Education Award for Outstanding International Education Program.

 

Contact Information

Bianca Duphey, Director, Academic Innovations

Kirsten Hagen, Manager, Global Education

Atara Muhammad, Specialist, Global Programs