"Connect to the World" classes challenge students to create real solutions to dynamic global issues through an integrated curriculum that engages multiple learning styles. Students explore international topics such as international trade, globalization, and sustainabile development while gaining research, problem solving, and media and HTML literacy skills. These non-traditional and interactive classes include innovative simulations, Internet-based exercises, speakers, field trips, conferences, and service-learning projects. PAAC's high school programming and curriculum is designed to specifically help students meet the learning goals of Hawaii's Department of Education Social Studies Standards. Students who enroll in PAAC's After-School Class program earn one half credit in Social Studies each semester.

Success of the After-School Class Initiative has not gone unnoticed, as PAAC was awarded the Carol Marquis Award by its national affiliate, the World Affairs Councils of America for demonstrating the greatest growth, innovation and outreach to secondary schools of any chapter of the World Affairs Council network in the nation. Funding for these after-school classes is made possible by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Freeman Foundation, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Hawaii State Departement of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii State Department of Education, and the McInerny Foundation.

For more information about the After-School Class Initiative or Community Service Project, please contact the After School Class Coordinator, Merle Grybowski at (808) 944-7786 or asc@paachawaii.org.

The following high schools had active PAAC After-School Classes in the 2007-2008 school year: