June 2008

UWC makes education

a force to unite
people, nations and
cultures for peace and
a sustainable future
What is United World Colleges?
• United World Colleges (UWC) brings students together
from all over the world, selected from within their own
country, on merit and regardless of their ability to pay
• UWC is enhances the teaching of a globally recognised
curriculum with the focus on educating the whole person
• UWC is a challenging experience that equips students
socially, academically, philosophically and morally so
that they are personally empowered to do what they can
to make the world a better place
UWC History
• UWC was conceived in the aftermath of WWII
• Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist, developed the idea
of a multi-national pre-university school to help overcome
religious, cultural and racial misunderstanding to avoid
conflict
• 16 to 18 olds are grounded in their own cultures but at
an age when they are impressionable and open to learn
from and respect each other
• The first UWC – UWC of the Atlantic – opened in 1962
• Today there are 12 United World Colleges 5 continents
educating 3,000 16-18 year old students
The UWC Experience
 UWC Academic Programme
• Eleven of the United World Colleges teach the International
Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
– the IB was pioneered at the first UWC, Atlantic College in the 1970’s
– the most recognised and highly regarded secondary school
qualification in the world and, as such, accepted by the world’s most
selective universities

• Simón Bolívar UWC of Agriculture offers a tertiary level

three-year agricultural education and training programme
Social Responsibility Programme
• Each UWC tailors its programme to the local environment
– students at UWC Atlantic operate lifeboat and cliff rescue
services along the South Wales coast
– Mahindra UWC students work with local village organisations to
alleviate some of the worst effects of poverty and illiteracy
– Waterford Kamhlaba students provide care for those affected by
AIDS and HIV
• In addition to regular weekly activities, the Colleges
allocate at least one week each year for the students to
devise and implement an intensive service project
Multi-Cultural Environment
• At the UWC Colleges, an average of 70 different
nationalities are represented each academic year
• Embracing the cultures and nationalities present in each
College is a key feature of UWC life. Activities such as
music, crafts, arts, and drama help students to explore
and develop an international appreciation
• Living on campus with such a diverse group of peers
creates an environment where preconceptions,
prejudices and values are questioned and tested on a
daily basis
UWC Colleges
•Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar
•Canada, Vancouver Island
•Costa Rica, Santa Ana
•China, Hong Kong SAR
•India, Pune District
•Italy, Duino,
•Norway, Fjaler
•Singapore
•Swaziland, Mbabane
•USA, Montezuma, NM
•Venezuela, Barinas
•Wales, Vale of Glamorgan
UWC Colleges
Every year 1,500 students
from over 120 countries
graduate from the 12
United World Colleges
UWC Students
UWC Students
• Students are selected on personal merit from over 120
countries
• In each country selection is irrespective of race, gender,
religion, politics and the ability to pay
• The UWC scholarship system creates schools that
represent all parts of the world and all aspects of society
• This diversity creates vibrant, enthusiastic and stimulating
communities
• UWC students are selected through a meticulous process
run by the UWC National Committee Network
UWC Global Selection Network

UWC has National Committees in 122 countries

UWC Global Selection Network
• Our Colleges delegate responsibility for student selection
to the National Committee system
• UWC National Committees, only exist through the
commitment and expertise of passionate local volunteers
• These volunteer based National Committees:
– Promote UWC
– Motivate students to apply
– Manage the selection process
– Support the student and their family in preparation for UWC
– Support the national UWC Alumni network
– Local fundraising
UWC Graduates
 UWC Future
• Increase the number of students recieving a UWC education
• Increase the impact and recognition of UWC
– New UWC Colleges
• UWC Maastricht, The Netherlands in 2009
• additional projects include Colleges in the Middle East and East Africa
– Teacher training
– Short 2 - 3 week residential courses
• Increase formal recognition of the value of the social
responsibility programme and the intensive multi-cultural
environment
• Strengthening and broaden the National Committee network
• Increased engagement of 37,000 UWC alumni network
UWC Funding
• Annual operating costs are US$70 million with the
average scholarship per student US$20,000 per annum
• College funding sources include:
– Endowments
– Government support
– Key donors – individuals, corporations, trusts and foundations
– College alumni
• National Committee funding sources include:
– Government support
– Key donors – individuals, corporations, trusts and foundations
– Means tested parental contribution
– National alumni
UWC Organisation
• International Board consisting of representatives from the
Colleges and leaders in education, non-profit, business
and finance
• Colleges are autonomous on their own jurisdiction but are
accountable to the International Board
• The International Office is the hub of the organisation,
overseeing National Committee development and
coordination, corporate communications and international
fundraising