In an ever-changing world, when it comes to communication and business relationships stretching around the globe, there’s a program that is giving high-school students an opportunity to study and learn more about other cultures and practices.

The Global Scholars Program, in its fourth year in Central Ohio, is new to Marysville High School this year, but interest has been great.

“The main point is to give students the opportunity to become more globally connected and to promote global awareness,” Teacher and Global Scholars Advisor Ben Brown said. “What that really means is allowing students an opportunity to interact with other people from around the world; seeing the similarities, but also seeing the differences.”

Learning to compare the lifestyles and cultures of areas around the world as it compares to Central Ohio is part of the program, as is making a mark in the world with projects.

Junior Dayo Adeoye’s project is putting together a human rights PowerPoint program that delves into educational equality.

“I want people to understand that education is a basic right,” Adeoye said, “and not just a privilege.”

The program includes completing projects in addition to field trips around Central Ohio, joining up with the other nearly 600 students involved. The first trip was to Franklin University, while the second was close to home, to Honda of America.

“They were able to meet local business leaders up at Honda,” Brown said, “and see how that global understanding, that global connection, can help them in the workplace. How better understanding of other cultures in other places can help them in getting employed and in the workplace.”

Marysville Principal Thomas Cochran worked with staff to help implement the program, which is run by the Columbus Council on World Affairs. Students who complete the program will have an insignia on their diploma signifying their participation.

“It lets people know that you went through the program, but you also have the skills that make you more globally competent,” Cochran said. “Then you can speak about that when you go on job interviews or on your college applications.”

In addition to Honda, Cardinal Health is another local company that has given its endorsement of Global Scholars, seeing it as a quality program that gives students an identity beyond their local area.