The 2026 World Affairs Seminar registration window is now open. We invite you to sponsor student delegates from your community for a weeklong academic program where high-school students build real-world skills in diplomacy, leadership, and peacebuilding.
Here are the students that we sent in 2025 from Iowa City Rotary’s and schools.
We usually send 26 students per year. They always come back and say ‘it changed my life. This is a great compliment to RYLA. We send students between their sophomore and senior years to RYLA for amazing leadership training.
We send students to World Affairs between their junior and senior year to awaken them to the world and work through peacemaking exercises.
This will happen during the Best Week Ever of June 20-26, 2026.
You can contact us at
Laurie Marks – Chief of Staff – Phone – 414-759-5500
By the Numbers
Legacy of Success
World Affairs Seminar has been a Yearly Summer Camp since 1977.
Fantastic Alumni
Over 30,000 delegates have been inspired to pursue careers in corporations, non-profits, government, and NGOs.
Internationally Diverse
Delegates have represented over 25 nations sponsored by Kiwanis, Rotary, and other organizations.
Content Powerhouse
A week featuring over 15 international keynote speakers, 2 diplomacy simulations, countless activities, and team peace projects.
The WAS Mission
Since 1977, the World Affairs Seminar (WAS) has ignited the spark of global citizenship in thousands of students from across the world. Each year, this immersive academic summer camp welcomes students into a weeklong journey of discovery and diplomacy skill building. This is much more than a camp – it is a launch pad for actionable change in delegates’ communities.
How WAS Works
Guided by our mantra – “ Peace through understanding” – Delegates explore global challenges and create solutions they can use in the real world. The 2026 theme, Unite for Peace, will bring bold keynote speeches, thoughtful simulations, and collaborative projects amongst delegates. All our moments are charged with purpose and passion.
Delegate Testimonial: Mark G. - “WAS allowed me to not only understand what peace looked like, but also what it felt like. I left more educated on peace and how to build it at home.”
Get Involved with WAS
Sponsorship: Send one or more student delegates from your community
Join a Committee: Help Shape the WAS program, build resources, and support our mission for years to come!
Make a Donation: Establish a Scholarship or donate to support our mission
Become a Volunteer: Join us during the seminar week to help manage logistics, welcome delegates, and enjoy the fun.
Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and community members. Engage with local school districts and get more young people involved!
To Learn More, Reach Us At:
What Happens At WAS?
World Affairs Seminar is a residential camp where delegates are introduced to people, organizations, and ideas that address the challenges of building a peaceful world.
Delegates embrace a holistic and inclusive understanding of peacebuilding on global, national, and local issues focusing on equity. Delegates learn to translate these ideas into action.
Who Should Attend WAS?
- High School Students 15-18 years old in good academic standing.
- Young people who want to build a strong college portfolio and be future change agents for peace on local and global issues.