Honda North America recently hosted hundreds of students from central Ohio in support of the Global Scholars Program, sponsored by the Columbus Council on World Affairs. Honda has been a long-time sponsor of the three-year program, which provides experiential learning opportunities for high school students.

As part of their participation in the program, the students study issues with global impact, like human trafficking, trade and terrorism. They also meet people from other cultures to learn about different customs and traditions. As a result of their efforts, the students earn a high school credential after completing the program.

Over the course of several days at the Honda Heritage Center in Ohio, students engaged with leaders from Honda and other local companies in discussion on a wide-range of topics like work-life balance, what it’s like to work in Japan and where are the parts made for Honda products.

One Honda leader who hosted a discussion group offered her advice to students.

“Make sure you always challenge yourselves. Don’t let a single day go by that you’re not learning something,” Ulka Wilson, Honda of America Mfg.’s Purchasing – MDX, New Model Project Lead told the students.

Brad Gosche, vice president, education & communications at the Columbus Council on World Affairs, said through the program, students gain an understanding of how globally connected the business world has become.

“Being culturally fluent will allow these students to thrive in that environment,” he said. “Before they take this program, they don’t realize that right here in their own backyard is an opportunity to have a global career. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to work abroad.”

Gosche added, “This program is possible because of companies like Honda.”