WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT IC 21
“IC 21 provides students unparalleled opportunities to gain insight into themselves in an interconnected world. How do events on the other side of the world affect their lives, and how do domestic events affect the lives of people around the world? The poise, knowledge and nuanced understanding gained through the IC 21 experience will last a lifetime.”
Alexandra Fuller, parent of IC 21 student participant; acclaimed author of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight and Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness
“IC21 facilitated my travel around the world, taught me how to lead, delegate, build group consensus, and speak in front of large crowds. In Baltimore and Vancouver I participated in Model United Nations conferences, in China I witnessed real life diplomacy, and in Jackson I led the organization of a 200 person conference. As I look forward to college, IC21—and the opportunities it provided me—will be vital to my success in pursuit of a career in international public service. I couldn’t imagine where I would be without this organization supporting me.”
Aaron Trauner, Secretary-General Teton County Model UN ’17, Jackson Hole High School ’18
“[Through Teton County Model UN] I gained a better understanding of the situation in Syria, and of all of the complex forces that are involved in that particular situation. Additionally, I feel as though I learned more about the complex nature of international relations in general, and about how amazing it is that the United Nations accomplishes so many things in today’s state of global affairs.”
Olivia Ott, Sun Valley Community School ’14
“I would not be in the same place as a college student today without InterConnections21 and all the opportunities they provided to my peers and me. Unlike many of my friends in college, I arrived at university with a better idea of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My experience with Model UN opened my eyes to all the work that the United Nations and NGOs do, and interning with IC21 showed me the impact that an organization such as this one has on a community. When I now visit the United Nations in New York or work with nonprofits there, I am better suited to participate in discussions and provide valuable insight to nonprofits because of IC21 and the opportunities that were provided to the community of Jackson. InterConnection21 is a vital organization within Jackson and I strive to keep their mission in the forefront of my mind each day; to attempt to become a ‘bridge between the ‘local’ and the ‘global…’. IC21 pushed me to take action when I was in Jackson and now in my new life outside of Wyoming.”
Bella Wood, IC21 Intern, Jackson Hole High School ’16
“I was fortunate enough to experience firsthand the remarkable impact of InterConnections 21 programs. My work with Model UN as well as the Student Conference on Human Rights not only broadened my world view and caused me to genuinely exist as global citizen, but it sparked an interest in international causes that continues to influence my personal, academic and professional life years after my high school career ended.”
Jordan Schreiber, JH Center for the Arts Development Coordinator; Jackson Hole High School ’08
“My Teton County Model UN experience can be summed up in one phrase: newfound leadership and confidence!”
Mercedes Dimsey, Teton County Model UN 2013 participant, Cody High School ‘16
“Whether it’s the increasingly global economy we all rely on, the environment we all share, or the security issues we all face, the world impinges on us and obliges us to learn. IC 21 has done truly amazing work with our high school students and with our entire community to bring home…critical global issues that are coloring everyone’s future but which don’t always hit us every day here in Wyoming.”
Dr. Barbara Herz, Jackson Hole community member; former World Bank economist and co-author of What Works in Girls’ Education
“Without a doubt, IC21 is largely responsible for my decision to volunteer abroad with international NGOs after high school and then continue on to pursue a globally focused education in college. They do an excellent job of helping students develop an awareness and interest in the wider world not only outside of Jackson, but outside of the U.S, that will follow them into their adult years.”
Jessica Moore, Jackson Hole High School ’12
“IC21 gave me the important gift of learning how to better understand the world in which we live while developing my leadership, public speaking, and writing skills. Through participating in Model United Nations with IC21, I learned to listen with curiosity, to stay open-minded and humble, and to sift through the evidence as presented. I have learned that the nations and people of our world resist easy explanation and that an engagement in my local community translates to the ability to begin a exploration of a world beyond Jackson, Wyoming, the States and my own culture.
Sarah Ross, Secretary-General Teton County Model UN ’10; Jackson Hole High School ’11