Welcome to One World’s 20th Anniversary Year
Welcome to a special school year for One World Education. This fall marks our 20th anniversary—a milestone made possible by thousands of students, educators, families, volunteers, and supporters like you. As we celebrate where we’ve been, we’re also looking ahead to where we’re going.
Last year, we helped more than 3,000 students at nearly 40 partner schools in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County build their writing, research, and presentation skills. This year, we’re expanding the afterschool One World Academy to reach more middle school students at high-priority schools while helping high school students develop leadership skills.
At the same time, we’re investing in the Writing Home Project to secure a long-term home where students, educators, and families can learn, create, and gather year-round. A permanent space will allow us to deepen our work, expand access to high-quality programming, and build the foundation to serve our community for the next 20 years and beyond.
Throughout the year, we’ll celebrate two decades of impact by sharing stories from students, educators, and partners who have been part of the One World journey. Next month, we’ll introduce the first student story in our 20 Years of Voices: Then & Now series, sharing where life has taken them and how One World has helped shape their path. We hope you’ll follow along—and be part of what’s next.
With gratitude,
Summer Xavier
Executive Director
20 Years of Voices: Share Your One World Story
Throughout the year, we’ll feature students, parents, and educators whose lives have been shaped by One World—from teachers and nonprofit leaders to entrepreneurs, college graduates, and professionals. We’ll explore how writing helped shape their journeys and where life has taken them since One World.
Were you a One World student or parent?
Where has One World taken you? We’d love to hear how One World has shaped your life and celebrate your story during our 20th Anniversary year.
Please email Hayleigh at hayleigh@oneworldeducation.org to share what One World has meant to you.
Welcoming Rashida Young to the One World Board
We are excited to announce that Rashida Young, Partner leading the Schools, Talent & Racial Equity Team at Education Forward DC, is the newest member of One World’s Board. We are thrilled to have Rashida on our Board, where she brings extensive knowledge and experience of the educational sector to her new role.
Then & Now
Fun fact: Jessie Grosshart-Choi, now One World’s Senior Manager of Programs and Quality Assurance, started at One World nine years ago as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. What is Jessie’s favorite part of working with One World over the past nine years?
“One of the greatest joys of this work is that I get to experience my favorite memory year after year.
It’s that moment when a student achieves something they didn’t think they could—whether it’s a personal victory, like meeting the requirements to be eligible for publication, or a public one, like winning one of our scholarships or competitions. Nothing beats seeing a scholar take pride in themselves as a learner.”