What Does a Junior Curriculum Contributor Do?

Are you a high school or college student passionate about education, innovation, and making a global impact? Join Smart Kids Ghana as a Junior Curriculum Contributor and help shape the future of learning for students in Ghana!

As a Junior Curriculum Contributor, you will:
✅ Design a culturally competent lesson that aligns with one of our four key focus areas:

  • Critical Thinking – Encourage analytical and reasoning skills.
  • Problem Solving – Develop real-world solutions to challenges.
  • Technology Literacy – Enhance digital skills and tech fluency.
  • Health Literacy – Promote well-being and informed decision-making.

✅ Choose from our list of pre-approved lesson topics or propose your own lesson plan that fits within our focus areas.

✅ Fundraise $1,000 to support the implementation of your lesson. These funds will go toward essential resources like laptops, educational materials, and other necessary supplies to bring your lesson to life.

✅ Visit Ghana to implement your lesson (Optional!) – You’ll have the opportunity to travel to Ghana and personally teach your lesson to students. This hands-on experience allows you to see the impact of your work firsthand. However, if travel isn’t possible, your lesson can still be implemented by our team on the ground in Ghana.

Application Process

To apply, you must:
📌 Submit an application form detailing your lesson idea and chosen focus area.
📌 Select a lesson from our suggested list or propose your own original lesson plan for review.
📌 Secure two teacher recommendations by having them complete a reference form. These forms will confirm your excellence, work ethic, and ability to contribute effectively to our curriculum.
📌 Commit to fundraising $1,000 for lesson implementation supplies.

Exclusive Benefits

📌 A Prestigious Letter of Recommendation – Upon successful completion, you will receive a strong organization committee letter of recommendation for college and graduate school applications. This letter can be sent to up to three institutions or programs.

📌 Professional Endorsement – In addition to the recommendation letter, you will receive two reference forms completed on your behalf, further supporting your applications for academic and leadership opportunities.

📌 Real-World Impact – Your curriculum contribution will directly benefit students in Ghana, fostering educational growth and equipping them with essential skills for success.

Who Can Apply?

  • High school juniors and seniors
  • College students with a passion for education and social impact
  • Individuals who are proactive, creative, and committed to making a difference

How to Get Started

1️⃣ Complete the application form.
2️⃣ Have two teachers submit recommendation forms.
3️⃣ Choose a lesson from our suggested list or propose your own lesson plan.
4️⃣ Begin lesson and fundraising to support lesson implementation.

Join us in transforming education, one lesson at a time! Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Become a Junior Curriculum Contributor for SmartKids Ghana

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Name
Address
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Educational Level
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As part of the application process, you are required to submit your most recent academic transcript. This helps us assess your academic background and commitment to excellence. Unofficial or Official Transcripts Accepted – You may upload an unofficial transcript from your student portal or an official transcript issued by your school. File Formats – Please submit your transcript as a PDF, JPEG, or PNG file. Demonstrate Academic Readiness – While there is no strict GPA requirement, we value students who show dedication to their education and personal growth. Need Help? If you have trouble accessing your transcript, reach out to your school's guidance counselor or registrar for assistance.
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Please upload a clear, high-quality photo of yourself. This image will be featured on our Smart Kids Ghana Team page, used in a social media post to announce your ambassadorship, and included in your blog post on our website celebrating your role as a new Student Ambassador.

Teacher/Professor Reference

At SmartKids Ghana, the Junior Curriculum Contributor (JCC) Program is a prestigious and highly selective opportunity designed for exceptional, motivated, and forward-thinking students who are committed to creating meaningful educational change. We are intentional about our selection process because we seek students who stand out—not just by their academic achievements, but by their creativity, reliability, and passion for making a difference. As a JCC participant, you will have the rare opportunity to collaborate with curriculum industry experts in Ghana, including our Dean of Curriculum and other certified educators within our organization. Together, we will mentor and guide you through the art and science of curriculum design, lesson creation, and culturally competent teaching. Our team invests substantial time, resources, and expertise into helping each participant succeed, which is why we are deliberate in ensuring that every candidate we accept is highly capable, reliable, and prepared for this level of responsibility. To support this careful selection process, we will contact a teacher or professor who knows you well to complete a holistic and thoughtful reference form. Their insights will help us understand your character, work ethic, and potential to thrive as a Junior Curriculum Contributor.
(e.g., English Teacher, Head of Class, Professor of Education)
(We will email the reference form to this address.)
(e.g., Your class teacher, mentor, academic advisor, etc.)

Lesson Design & Fundraising Commitment for Lesson Supplies

As a Junior Curriculum Contributor (JCC), you will be required to create a 1.5-hour lesson plan, with the final 40 minutes dedicated to a hands-on component that includes activities and necessary supplies. To support the implementation of your lesson, you will receive a personalized fundraising link with your name, an explanation of the purpose of the fundraising, and all the details you need to share it with friends, family, and supporters. There is a fundraising expectation of up to $1,000, which will be used to cover lesson implementation costs. While not all lessons will require the full amount, this fundraising target ensures you have the resources needed to create an exceptional experience for the students. Any remaining funds beyond your lesson needs will be used to support other initiatives under SmartKids Ghana.
Would you like us to notify you once we have received your teacher's completed reference form?
I agree to design a 1.5-hour lesson that includes a 40-minute hands-on activity with materials and supplies.
I agree to participate in fundraising efforts with a personalized fundraising link to raise up to $1,000 to support the lesson implementation.
I commit to completing and implementing my full 1.5-hour lesson within six months of being accepted into the program.
I understand that the $1,000 fundraising goal is a maximum estimate and that all fundraising must be completed by the six-month deadline, with any leftover funds used to support other Smart Kids Ghana initiatives.
I commit to attending all scheduled Zoom meetings and regular check-ins with the Curriculum Director throughout the duration of the program.