From Virtual Classroom to Global Debate: iQLA Students Take on Model United Nations 

Model United Nations (UN) is more than a club for students at iQ Academy of Los Angeles (iQLA). It is an opportunity to step into the role of global leaders, debate complex international issues, and build the confidence to speak in front of a room full of peers. 

This year, iQLA students took that experience beyond their weekly meetings and into a real conference setting at the University of Southern California (USC), where they joined delegates from other schools to debate international policy and negotiate solutions to global challenges. 

A Student-Led Program 

The iQLA Model UN club was launched this year by Savannah, an 11th-grade student who serves as the club’s president. Savannah started the program after realizing her school did not yet offer a Model UN opportunity for students interested in international relations and diplomacy. 

Since then, the club has grown into a weekly gathering where students research global issues, represent different countries, and practice debating resolutions in mock conferences. 

Members prepare extensively before each event. Students build research binders, analyze their assigned country’s policies, and develop positions on complex global issues ranging from climate policy to international security. 

Competing at USC 

Savannah and several club members recently traveled to the University of Southern California to participate in a Model UN conference hosted on campus. 

Students joined delegates from other schools and universities to debate international issues and present policy solutions. Delegates were expected to think quickly, speak persuasively, and collaborate with other students to draft resolutions. 

During the conference, students delivered on-the-spot speeches, defended their country’s position, and negotiated compromises with other delegates. 

“It pushes you out of your comfort zone,” Savannah said. “You have to stand up in front of dozens of delegates and explain your country’s position while debating other people’s ideas.” 

Researching the World Stage 

Dylan, a ninth-grade student, also participated in the conference. Dylan and his partner represented Lithuania, which required them to research the country’s policies and perspective on the conference topics. 

Preparation involved several days of research, including compiling a binder of background information and policy positions. 

“It was a lot of preparation,” Dylan said. “We researched Arctic security and issues like preventing militarization in the region and protecting natural resources.” 

Because Lithuania is a smaller country, Dylan often focused on listening carefully to larger delegations before offering his perspective to present Lithuania’s position. 

Building Confidence Through Debate 

The biggest takeaway for many students is not just learning about international policy but developing confidence in their ability to speak and debate. Dylan says the experience helped strengthen his public speaking skills. 

“I’ve spoken in front of people before, but this helped elevate my confidence,” he said. “You have to think quickly and communicate clearly.” 

Savannah has seen the same growth in other students in the club. Some members who initially felt nervous about speaking in front of a group gained confidence by the second day of the conference. 

“They came in as good speakers,” she said. “But they left as confident speakers.” 

A Community of Future Leaders 

Beyond debate and research, Model UN also gives students the chance to meet peers who share similar interests. One of the most memorable parts of the conference for Dylan was seeing the scale of the event and meeting other students who care deeply about global issues. 

“It was interesting seeing how seriously everyone took it and how people presented their ideas in different ways,” he said. 

Students also had the opportunity to experience a major university campus and see how Model UN programs operate at the college level. 

Preparing for the Future 

The club continues to meet regularly to prepare for future conferences and mock debates. 

Dylan says the experience has sparked an interest in potentially pursuing a career in law, where debate and persuasive communication play an important role. 

“I feel like learning the law would be valuable in many areas,” he said. 

Savannah hopes to continue Model UN in college and eventually pursue a career connected to diplomacy or international relations. Her dream school is Yale University, where she plans to apply for early admission next year. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Programs like Model UN show how students at a virtual school can still participate in leadership opportunities, collaborative activities, and real-world academic experiences. 

Dylan has attended online school since kindergarten, and he says virtual learning has allowed him to explore opportunities like Model UN while still building friendships and connections with classmates. 

“You can still socialize and make friends,” he said. “Model UN is a good example of that.” 

To learn more about iQLA and explore clubs like Model UN and other student activities, visit the clubs page to see how students can get involved. 

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