Helena High School is one of 74 high schools to be recognized as the recipient of the 2016 “Top Global Learning School” award by AFS-USA, a leader in international student exchange, in partnership with The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), an international honor society dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments of high-achieving students.

The award recognizes exceptional dedication to fostering global citizenship through intercultural learning—both inside and outside of the classroom. From hosting international students, to encouraging American students to study abroad, to incorporating intercultural learning initiatives into their curriculum, these institutions have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the global competency of their students. View the complete “Top School” list at http://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/scholarships/top-schools.

To further support global competency development, AFS-USA is offering all students at these schools the opportunity to win a $1,000 scholarship to study abroad. Students can enter to win by answering the question: “What does it mean to be a global citizen?”

The high schools selected to receive this award are committed to making a profound difference in the lives of their students. Intercultural learning is increasingly becoming essential for all young people, as globalization continues to influence a variety of industries, from business to science, to the nonprofit sector to the arts. When today’s students learn to speak another language, navigate a different cultural context and become more tolerant and globally informed citizens, they are developing the skills needed to succeed in the 21^st century.

About AFS

AFS-USA, a non-profit organization, has been a leader in international student exchange for more than 65 years. Its mission is to enhance the global competency of U.S. citizens through providing intercultural learning experiences for individuals, families, communities and schools through a volunteer partnership. Each year, AFS-USA awards more than $3 million in scholarships and financial aid to U.S. students, and it maintains a network of more than 4,000 U.S. volunteers who support educators, students and their families nationwide.

About the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS):

Formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, NSHSS recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high- achieving millennials through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks. NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions from high school to college to career. Currently, there are more than 1,000,000 lifetime members in 160 countries.