What is Hemispheres?
Hemispheres is a free-of-cost program through the Yale International Relations Association and involves Yale Undergraduates teaching weekly lessons on international relations to high school students. Through our program, we hope to expose students to a wide variety of global issues that are traditionally missing from the high school curriculum. Classes will be held at Yale (usually room 102 in Linsly-Chittenden Hall) every Friday from 3-5 pm. Food catered from local businesses will be provided during lessons at no financial cost. Students may also request free bus passes to aid with transportation to and from Friday classes, with priority being given to students from schools within New Haven city limits.
Beyond the classroom, students also have the opportunity to attend Model United Nations conferences (both locally and across the country, for free) and go on free annual trips; in the past we've gone to New York City, Washington DC, and Boston.
Eligibility to attend Hemispheres is limited to students in grades 9-12 attending public high schools and K12 institutions in New Haven and bordering towns; students attending private high schools are not eligible.
Goal Statements:
To broaden the academic horizons of New Haven public high school students within international relations and similar fields.
To aid New Haven public high school students in their budding academic & professional lives.
To help heal the cultural, social, and political tension between the New Haven and Yale University communities.Outside the Classroom
An Average Day at Hemispheres:
News Update (3pm-3:20pm): Students are brought up-to-date on the latest news around the world. Both Yale and New Haven students get to present on the news.
International Relations Lesson (3:30pm-4:15pm): Yale students teach a lesson to New Haven students; these lessons mainly relate to IR, but can also touch on other fields such as history, comparative politics and the natural sciences.
Mentorship (4:15pm-5pm): New Haven students are taught about professional skills, such as college applications and resumes. Guest speakers may also attend during this time as well.
Discover More
Hemispheres Instagram: @yale.hemi
Hemispheres Director: hemispheres@yira.org