Mater Dei Prep

Global Leaders Institute

Established in 2015, the Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Institute (formerly the Emerging Global Leaders program) utilizes an interactive and dynamic curriculum that focuses on preparing students for success in global situations. Workplace and school environments have become a complex paradigm of multiple ethnicities that reflect diverse cultures and expectations. Future leaders need communication, mediation and social skills to navigate and succeed in these settings.

Mater Dei Prep students in the Global Leaders Institute put these skills into practice by partnering with United Nations Department of Public Information Non-Governmental Organizations (UN DPI/NGO) like Pathways to Peace. They benefit from Mater Dei Prep’s unique relationship with the UN, regularly attending and speaking at conferences and committee meetings centered on promoting the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals in categories as wide-ranging as education, gender equality, clean energy, climate action and justice.

Through the Global Leaders Institute, students:

Develop communication and social skills
Learn effective leadership skills for global environments
Acquire mediation and negotiation skills, with certification in conflict transformation and management
Work in collaborative teams, learning to build trusting and sustainable relationships
Develop critical thinking skills
Use MediaScape technology to create and foster relationships with partner organizations on a national and global scale
Hone their public speaking skills with an emphasis on presentation and effective questioning techniques
Learn United Nations protocols and establish committee memberships

Curriculum

Freshman Year: Seminar trainings are offered throughout the year in social studies classes to introduce students to leadership and anti-bullying initiatives. Students will participate in ongoing United Nations projects and/or develop their own projects in conjunction with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students will attend selected UN conferences to become acclimated with UN protocols and affairs. (2018-19 school year)

Sophomore Year: Students will elect to take the Emerging Leadership and Development training class where they will be introduced to and certified in effective leadership techniques. Students will be involved in project-based development utilizing design-thinking applications aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students will attend committee meetings and conferences hosted by the UN and UN NGO partner organizations. (2018-19 school year)

Junior Year: Students can progress to the Lead and Achieve Development class where they will receive an advanced certification in Community Building and Leadership Dynamics. They will continue their affiliation with UN NGO partner organizations, attending committee meeting and conferences. Additionally, students will create and support Mini Leadership Institutes throughout their respective communities, conducting leadership and anti-bullying workshops for middle and elementary school students. (Beginning in the 2019-20 school year)

Senior Year: Students will seek internship opportunities with UN NGO Pathways to Peace and other partnership organizations. Students will also pursue mentorship opportunities with middle school and elementary school programs. (Beginning in the 2019-20 school year)

Accomplishments

Global Education Tool Kit: Developed by freshmen, this digital learning platform helps students impacted by war, poverty or terrorism continue their educational development. The “tool kit” contains K-12 lessons in science, mathematics and English as a second language. It was one of 15 programs worldwide presented at the International Day of Peace UN conference.
OceanFirst Model Classroom Grant: With this $10,000 grant Mater Dei Prep purchased MediaScape technology which allows interactive project development and design thinking applications with over 192 member nations and organizations of the United Nations.
Young Leadership Course: Students created and implemented a six-week program for Saint Mary School ambassadors which introduced to leadership, anti-bullying and effective communication strategies.
Mater Dei Prep students and alumni are currently serving as official UN DPI/NGO youth representatives and are often recognized at UN Conferences for their commitment to effective leadership and positive change.

PowerPoint Presentations

Leadership

Mr. George S. Anthony
Mr. Anthony, M.Ed., has led the program since its inception. He is an accomplished educator and conflict resolution specialist and the primary representative for UN DPI/NGO Pathways to Peace. Mr. Anthony is also co-chair of the International Day of Peace UN Education Peace Team. He is certified in mediation by Columbia University, the National Institute for Dispute Resolution and the New York City Board of Education. He has trained teachers, administrators, social workers, guidance personnel and others in conflict management.

Mr. Anthony has been featured nationally and regionally on news programs and is frequently quoted in newspaper articles focusing on bullying and conflict resolution. He has produced award-winning videos about tolerance, leadership and diversity and is the co-author of many publications, including “Stand Up & Lead: Curriculum Guide” featuring strategies for addressing bullying in the classroom and creating supportive learning environments for all.

If you have any additional questions regarding the Global Leaders Institute, please email Mr. George Anthony at ganthony@materdeiprep.org.

A special thank you to SeaStreak Ferries for supporting our future leaders and helping them build stronger communities.