OneWorld Now! was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 2002, following the events of 9/11. At a time when fear and division were shaping how many Americans viewed the world, OWN was created around a bold idea: to build connection and understanding across cultures while expanding access to global education for high school students who have historically had the fewest opportunities to participate.

OWN began with a pilot Arabic language program at Ingraham High School in north Seattle serving just 12 students. Today, OneWorld Now! reaches approximately 250 students each year through programs offered in person in Seattle and online to students across the U.S. and beyond.

OWN was an innovator when it launched in the post-9/11 climate, and its mission remains just as relevant today. The organization has been recognized by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as “one of the nation’s most innovative after school programs,” reflecting its distinctive approach to global education and youth leadership.

OWN’s award-winning program model combines critical world language skills, leadership development, and study abroad opportunities. We are one of the only programs in the nation that:

• Offers an integrated, holistic program combining accredited language instruction, leadership development, and study abroad opportunities for high school students.
• Prioritizes access for students furthest from educational equity, including communities of color, communities new to the U.S., families facing economic hardship, and first-generation college students. These students represent 81% of OWN participants.
• Teaches accredited classes in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Russian—four strategically important languages that are rarely offered in American public schools.
• Offers programs on a sliding scale to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.