50.9 percent — White (including Eastern European).
29.7 percent — Hispanic/Latino.
9 percent — Asian/Pacific Islander.
5 percent — Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander.
5 percent — Black/African-American.
Total: 99.6 percent
A family trip to Saipan helped Jonah Benavente appreciate the differences between his father’s birthplace in the Northern Mariana Islands and the family’s home in Vancouver.
“I see things in a different perspective now,” said Benavente, 16, a student at Fort Vancouver High School.
A focus on gaining a global perspective will take center stage at Fort Vancouver as it begins a new schoolwide program — the Center for International Studies — in September. The school will be the only one in the Pacific Northwest of about 30 nationwide to be part of the Asia Society’s International Studies Schools Network. All Fort students will participate in the program.
Benavente and 16 other students met with Anthony Jackson, vice president for education for Asia Society on Wednesday to discuss the benefits of traveling, becoming global citizens and using what they learn to change the world for the better.
50.9 percent -- White (including Eastern European).
29.7 percent -- Hispanic/Latino.
9 percent -- Asian/Pacific Islander.
5 percent -- Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander.
5 percent -- Black/African-American.
Total: 99.6 percent
“People begin to see the diversity as an asset when you think about global context,” Jackson told the students.
Students at Fort Vancouver already have a global perspective. Fort is not only the most diverse high school in Clark County, but also one of the most diverse in the state, said Principal Scott Parker. More than 30 languages are spoken by the school’s students. Just less than 51 percent of the students are white. That includes a large Eastern European population. Almost 30 percent of the school’s students are Hispanic/Latino.
“This is the perfect new school identity for Fort,” said Allison Darke, the school’s coordinator for the Center for International Studies. “Our students already are learning to be globally competent by interacting with other students.”
An Asia Society consultant has been working with teachers, who will develop the curriculum. Darke explained that a global perspective will be infused in all courses.
o More than 30 languages spoken.
o English most common, followed by Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Chuukese, Vietnamese.
Students already can learn Spanish, French or American Sign Language at Fort Vancouver. In September, Mandarin Chinese language classes will be offered, too.
A travel center will help students identify and find money to pay for domestic and international travel programs, from group trips to international exchange opportunities.
A Model United Nations program also may be added.
Eventually as the program is further developed, students will have an option to earn an international studies diploma through written and experiential projects, community service, participating in cultural events and required coursework.
What: Program for the entire student body focuses on all students becoming globally competent. It is the fruits of a partnership with Asia Society’s International Studies Schools Network.
o More than 30 languages spoken.
o English most common, followed by Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Chuukese, Vietnamese.
When: Beginning in September.
Website
“I like Fort Vancouver because of the amount of diversity,” said student Angel Bonilla. “You walk down the hall and hear one language, and walk down another hall and hear another language.”
“The tolerance and openness here is impressive,” said Jackson. “We love the diversity of who you are as students,” he said. “We love the enthusiasm of your teachers to prepare you for the world. I thank you for embracing the diversity that’s part of your campus and culture.”
Jackson encouraged students to seek ways to travel to other countries and be exposed to different cultures. Their school’s new focus will help them find those opportunities. He challenged them to push beyond simply being a tourist.
“Cultural perspective is not just learning about the world, but using what you learn to make a difference in the world,” Jackson said.
