Global Cities, Inc. Joins with Out of Eden Learn to Cultivate the Next Generation of Global Citizens

By Global Cities, Inc., a program of Bloomberg Philanthropies

Our Global Scholars program offers educators a constructive approach to counter recent trends of xenophobia and intolerance. Using digital technology, students interact across different cultures, gaining an appreciation for diversity and curiosity about the world at an early age. In this effort, we have found common ground with Out of Eden Learn, developed by Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Global Cities, Inc. has committed $250,000 to Out of Eden Learn’s online learning community that fosters thoughtful cross-cultural inquiry and exchange.

As presenters at our symposium last year on The Future of International Digital Learning, Out of Eden Learn shares our interest in evaluating student outcomes in digital exchanges. Students who participate in these programs are learning from one another in e-classrooms that are geographically diverse. Global Scholars and Out of Eden Learn provide cross-disciplinary curricula that support broader school-specific goals and motivate students to develop an interest in learning about the world and solving global problems.

“The world has its dangers, just as your hometown does,” said Paul Salopek, a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and National Geographic Fellow, speaking to Out of Eden Learn students who are following Paul on his Out of Eden Walk around the world. He added: “The world is your home, too. Don’t fear it.” Whether building cultural understanding, sparking a desire to communicate or connecting peers around the world, Out of Eden Learn is helping to cultivate the next generation of global citizens. We are pleased to have them as an ally in the vital field of global education.