Educators, Birmingham Leaders Ink Deal to Send 15 City Students to Japan for Global Studies   

bhamcityschools.org An inaugural group of 15 Birmingham City Schools juniors and sophomores will be headed to Japan this year as part of the International Dual Enrollment Academy (IDEA), a global studies program to equip Birmingham students with the skills, experiences, and relationships to thrive in an interconnected world. Birmingham Sister Cities, in partnership with Miles College and Birmingham City Schools, made the announcement on Monday. The program runs from May 6 to December 11. The IDEA program blends dual enrollment coursework at Miles College, extensive cultural enrichment activities, and an immersive travel-abroad experience. Participating students will earn nine college credit hours, receive a stipend of at least $500 when completed, and have the opportunity to attend the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. “International exposure and international opportunity are important factors in students’ college and career readiness,” said Jessica Findley Valentin, Interim Executive Director of Birmingham Sister Cities. “IDEA aims to provide Birmingham students with the tools they need to compete on the world stage and become global ambassadors for our city.” “It’s really special that the inaugural IDEA cohort is traveling to Japan, as our very first Sister City agreement was signed in April of 1982...