International Education Summit Workshops • World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

We partner with community organizations to create informative, engaging workshops for students.

With the theme being From Classroom to Community: Global Service Skills this year, our vision is help students develop skills necessary to engage with the global community through local service initiatives.

We’re proud to announce the following individuals and organizations hosting workshops:

Artworks – Shaping Our Communities Through Public Art

Art has the ability to foster connections and drive change. Regardless of your creative background (or lack thereof), it shapes the way we move throughout our environment. In this workshop you will discuss how public art has impacted your perspective on the world and what themes could be important to explore in future projects. Artworks collaborates local organizations, residents, and artists of all ages to build incredible pieces, making the region a global arts destination.

Elliot Clarkson (Keynote Speaker) – The Power We Have

Elliot is a sophomore at Miami University triple-majoring in International Studies, Spanish, and Linguistics. From raising $13,000 for a freshwater well in Eswatini to dedicating over 450 volunteer hours at the Akron Zoo, Elliot strives to motivate students to engage globally through community service. At Miami, she continues to inspire as a Thirst Trailblazer and leader in multiple campus organizations.

Hearing from a personal-experience story, students will be empowered to leave a tangible impact on the world for the benefit of the future. While learning about key aspects that go into serving the community, students will reframe common definitions in order to gain a broader understanding of their potential and the importance of working within not just the local, but the international community.

Groundwork ORV – Teen Power for a Green Future

Teen and adult members of the Green Team, the largest youth workforce in the US, will discuss how we work together. Our work brings people together across communities to help protect planet and people. You will learn about work being done by local teens to address climate change and pollution, improve biodiversity, and make Cincinnati’s outdoor space more safe and welcoming to all. Green Team is a great way to learn about the environment, gain important job skills, and build friendships that span the city.

1N5 – Stronger Together: Supporting Your Mind and Your Friends

Life is full of changes: new schools, new friends, new pressures, new everything. This workshop gives you real tools to take care of your mental health and to support the people you care about. We’ll talk about how to handle stress, look out for early signs that someone might be struggling, and build confidence in having honest conversations. No lectures, no judgment—just practical skills, real talk, and a space to learn how to take care of yourself and your community.

The Well – The Poetry of Place: Writing the World You Want to Live In

Inspired by a poem by Manuel Iris, an award-winning Mexican American poet and Cincinnati high school educator, The Well’s team will lead a poetry workshop to explore how our heritage, family rituals and memories can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Youth participants will learn about The Well’s Mindful Poetry Moments in April, an opportunity to write and publish, and create their own poem as an act of service from the local to the global.

Winton Woods High School – AI in Action

This advanced, team-based workshop transforms students into problem-solvers using AI as their teammate. Inspired by global “promptathons,” groups will identify a real-world issue and collaborate with AI to generate creative, realistic solutions. This challenge blends teamwork, critical thinking, and responsible AI use — showing how young leaders can apply technology to make a difference in their schools and communities.

Art Equals – Creativity and Service

Art Equals is a nonprofit based in Covington, Kentucky, dedicated to making creative expression accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Founded by visually impaired artist and art therapist Charlotte Reed, the organization uses art as a tool for healing, inclusion, and community connection. Through free and low-cost programs like community Art Hives, workshops, and pop-up events, Art Equals creates welcoming spaces where everyone, especially those who may not identify as artists, can explore their creativity. With a focus on accessibility, participatory design, and social impact, Art Equals breaks down barriers to the arts and empowers individuals to connect, heal, and thrive through creative engagement.

2025 Workshops