After-School Classes

After-School Global Studies Classes

PAAC's After-School Global Studies classes expose students to critical global issues of our time and challenge students to create real solutions for these issues. The class consists of innovative simulations, discussions, group projects, role-play, speakers, field trips, and a service-learning project called the Global Action Project (GAP). Students engage in discussions with their peers and teachers to examine and dive deeper into a variety of topics, which change each semester. In recent years, topics have included:

• Fall 2023: (1) Non-Proliferation, (2) Peace, (3) Japan
• Spring 2023: (1) Terrorism, (2) South Korea
• Fall 2022: (1) Philanthropy, (2) Autocracy, (3) Oceans
• Spring 2022: (1) Water Issues, (2) French Polynesia

Students successfully completing the class can earn a 0.5 high school social studies credit.

PAAC currently offers After-School Global Studies classes at eight public high schools:

• • ʻAiea High School
• • James Campbell High School
• • Kapaʻa High School
• • Kealakehe High School
• • Konawaena High School
• • Waiākea High School
• • Waialua High School
• • Wallace Rider Farrington High School

E-mail paac@paachawaii.org to learn more.

The Fall 2022 After-School Global Studies Class at Waiākea High School completed its GAP project with the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society in November, which included an on-site volunteer visit and donation of pet toys and materials like cardboard and twine. At Kapa‘a High School, students spent time enhancing the school’s garden.

Students discussed their involvement in the class:

“PAAC is an education program that entices students to challenge themselves ... The topics discussed in PAAC not only are interesting, but they are unique and quite exciting once you are in a focused and great environment with fellow peers.” – Fall 2022 Student, Grade 10

“The PAAC class was extremely interactive and intellectually engaging. I came in with the global knowledge of any other person and I came out feeling like I really had something to share. If you enjoy better understanding global issues while relating them to Hawaiʻi, this class is for you!” – Fall 2022 Student, Grade 10