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 International Skills Diploma Seal. Beginning in spring of the 2025-26 school year, all freshman Globalization students must declare which pathway they will complete during their years of high school. 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, participate in an Investing Hope project, tutor ESL students, provide translation services, Books for Africa, Foundation for Hospital Art, etc. All hours must be pre-approved and documented through Mobile Serve App and be verified by the coordinator.
Requirement 3: Participate in at least 4 extracurricular experiential learning and socialization events with a crosscultural or international focus which immerses you into their culture Examples are: (a) Model United Nations (Students role-play as delegates from various countries and debate global issues, simulating UN procedures. It develops understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and global policy). (b) International Club / Cultural Exchange Club (this club promotes cultural awareness by exploring different countries, traditions, and languages. It often includes exchange programs, international potlucks, or celebrations of global holidays). (c) World Languages Club or Honor Society (these groups celebrate global languages and cultures through events, language practice sessions, and service projects, sometimes partnering with sister schools abroad. (d) Global or International Service Projects (volunteer initiatives that involve helping communities abroad—such as raising funds for clean water in developing countries or participating in mission/service trips with global NGOs). (e) Signature Grade Level projects (Participate in the four signature grade level events (i.e., Global Connections Night, Human Rights Summit). In addition, participation in the UGA Immersive Research Trip is highly encouraged.). Completion of these events 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.
