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Whereas, for over 78 years the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh has worked to encourage informed discussion of world affairs within schools and among local citizens; and,
Whereas, the City's international attention as the host of the G-20 Summit in the fall highlights the Council's successful efforts at demonstrating the growing connections between Pittsburgh and its national and international neighbors; and,
Whereas, the Council's Global Travel Scholarship Program for high school juniors creates opportunities for students from city schools, suburban areas affected by the decline of the steel industry, and rural communities; and,
Whereas, the Program gifts its young Scholars a richer understanding of inter-cultural, international, and linguistic communication; cultivates their cosmopolitan and critical sensibilities; and allows them to return home with an expanded perspective on various subjects, as informed advocates for international dialogue and exchange; and,
Whereas, since 2004, the World Affairs Council, in partnership with The Experiment in International Living, has sent 41 students overseas for intensive, fruitful, and transformative programs; and
Whereas, students from Pittsburgh Brashear, Oliver, Schenley, Westinghouse and other area High Schools have traveled to 20 different countries - from Argentina, to Botswana, to Mongolia; and,
Whereas, this year's 10 Global Travel Scholars constitute the largest class of Scholars to date, and will begin their journeys in late June;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend the World Affairs Council for its pursuit of international experiences for young people through the Global Travel Scholarship Program; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares Tuesday, June 23, 2009 to be "World Affairs Council and Global Travel Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.