The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), together with New York-based Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc., has brought Model United Nations to schools in Tampa. Originally only four high schools participated and only as an extracurricular activity. Now, more than 50 teachers teach the Global Classrooms curriculum to students in more than 120 classrooms in 35 Tampa schools. The program is supported by Tampa School District Social Studies Supervisors Dennis Holt and Martha Ford, as well as administrators from Tampa Schools, the University of South Florida, and the University of Tampa.

The Global Classrooms Model United Nations program was developed by UNA to enhance students’ understanding of international issues. His hope is to develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills in our youth, necessary to build a globally informed workforce of the future. To that end, a special Model United Nations teacher training program was recently developed that includes world trade, finance and development.

Global Classrooms deals with critical global issues such as the human rights of refugees, the prevention of nuclear terrorism, the global economy, the post-conflict transition and the reform of the UN Security Council – the same topics that world diplomats deal with daily in The United Nations. It is an excellent educational opportunity for students in Tampa schools.

Tampa schools increased their participation in the Model UN program after the April 2006 conference, held at the Tampa Convention Center. More than 500 high schools and 600 middle schools participated in the Global Classrooms conference.

Ambassador William H. Luers, President of UNA-USA, addressed students in schools in Tampa and other areas within the public schools of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Luers pointed out that today’s children must learn about the world in order to be prepared for tomorrow. The younger the child, the more open-minded he will be.

Another speaker was Shaun King, former quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, current player for the Detroit Lions, and a favorite of students in Tampa schools. Like Luers, King wants to see youngsters use whatever talent they have. He believes that he really does make a difference, especially for children from single-parent and/or disadvantaged families.

UNA-USA is a nonprofit organization that develops innovative programs to engage Americans, especially children, on issues of global concern. Promotes educational and humanitarian campaigns, as well as policy and advocacy programs. UNA’s mission is to enable people to have a global impact at the local level.

The Model UN program would not be possible without the support of companies. Merrill Lynch has donated more than $37 million in 2005 to charity, with educational organizations receiving more than half. They are responsible for bringing the April Model UN conference to Tampa and for the cost of implementing the program in Tampa schools.

Together, UNA and Merrill Lynch hope to bring the Model UN experience to urban public schools across the country, as well as to a diverse range of schools around the world.

It is a fact that the US is losing its global economic edge by falling far behind other countries in preparing its youth for the global challenges of tomorrow. With programs like No Child Left Behind that focus only on reading and math skills, America’s kids are missing out on the world and its problems. Bringing the Model UN program to students in areas like Tampa schools is an essential step. Hopefully more Tampa schools will participate in the future.