What is the ISDS?
The International Skills Diploma Seal is a big, gold seal placed on your diploma to reflect your effort as a student interested in other cultures around the world. It validates that you've taken more classes, helped others through community service, and participated in activities that have a global and cross-cultural focus.
Who can earn the Seal?
Any student who completes the requirements can earn the ISDS. Beginning in 2024, all Globalization students must complete the ISDS requirements. Most of the requirements are completed by junior year, including the presentation. Senior year will only require the completion of a few classes to finalize earning the seal.
How do I earn the Seal?
Requirement 1: Take four courses with a global focus or perspective. Examples: AP World History, AP Human Geography, Macro Economics, Environmental Science, AP Comparative Government, AP Foreign Language, Honors World Literature, British Literature, select CTAE courses, etc.
Requirement 2: Complete 20 hours of community service with a cross-cultural or international focus. For example, I participate in an Investing Hope project, tutor ESL students, provide translation services, Books for Africa, Hospital Art, etc. All hours must be documented through the Microsoft Form, and Mobile Serve App, and be verified by the coordinator (through the Form and app).
Requirement 3: Participate in four extracurricular activities with a cross-cultural or international focus. For example, FLOP, attendance at the Day of the Dead celebration at the Atlanta History Center, overseas travel (not leisure travel, must have prior agreement from coordinator; there are forms to fill out), etc. All activities will be verified by the coordinator.
Requirement 4: Capstone Presentation. Using a trifold poster board, present your ISDS experience to a review committee consisting of teachers, administrators, and community members. Use pictures, realia, etc.
What’s a general timeline for earning the Seal?
- Coursework completed freshman through senior year.
- Community Service complete hours from freshman through junior year.
- Participation in extracurricular activities from freshman through junior year.
Junior Year:
October: The coordinator verifies participation in community service and extracurricular activities.
November: ISDS Capstone Presentation
Senior Year:
February: All requirements should be fulfilled (enrollment in a course is sufficient)
April: Coordinator submits names of ISDS candidates to the Georgia Department of Education
Graduation: ISDS recipients receive a seal on their diploma
When do I get the Seal?
On your diploma, at graduation.
When you fill out college applications, you can state that you are a candidate for the ISDS, however, you cannot state that you have earned it (unless you finished all requirements during junior year).
What will the Seal do for me?
The ISDS is a federal initiative and is recognized by colleges, universities and businesses all over the country. It shows them that you have a global focus, an interest in the world at large, and that your viewpoint is wider than just your home area.
Who’s in charge if I have questions or need help?
Mr. Nick Holman - will provide forms and approve service hours and extracurricular activities, collect and verify completed forms, and the Capstone project. See below for the presentation from the ISDS meeting on August 22, 2024.
