Georgetown Kicks Off Planet Georgetown After School Program

A select group of youth in Qatar experienced a taste of college life when they took part in GU-Q’s Planet Georgetown after-school program March 24th through the 28th, 2019, as part of the university’s year-long initiative dedicated to helping local high school students prosper academically and prepare to become successful lifelong learners.

Under the theme “Borders, Nationalism, and Immigration,” around 70 students from 28 local schools in grades  9, 10, 11 and 12, were on campus to learn about some of the critical issues facing the world they will soon be impacting.

The program was led by Jibin George Koshy, the Educational Enrichment Manager at GU-Q. “Through Planet Georgetown, and a variety of programs and initiatives, Georgetown demonstrates a firm commitment to extending our substantial resources to the wider community in Qatar and to develop future leaders and diplomats,” he said.

By taking part in Planet Georgetown, he added, “students learn critical thinking, research, and debating skills they will need when they transition to university, or on any path they pursue after high school. Each year, with its theme-based lectures, simulation exercises and skill-building activities, students are pushed out of their comfort zone to become well-rounded individuals.”

At the beginning of the week-long program, which is offered at no cost, members of GU-Q’s world-renowned faculty delivered college-level lectures to introduce the complexity of the program’s theme. Participating students examined real world case studies, honed their public speaking skills in a student debate, and role-played stakeholders in global immigration in a crisis simulation exercise.

The program concluded with student project presentations, and the awarding of certificates of completion to participants.

Throughout the year, Planet Georgetown offers enriching workshops and growth opportunities to help local high school students achieve their academic goals and to prepare for college interviews and the college application process. However the special week-long immersive after school program is only offered in the spring semester.