Celebrating UWC Costa Rica’s Certifications and Partnerships in 2023-2024

Impact Report Showcase | At UWC Costa Rica, we strive to cultivate in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet by learning from nature and each other for a lifetime. This commitment was celebrated in 2023-2024 as we achieved numerous milestones that reinforce our mission, values, and principles.

Here’s an overview of our major accomplishments:

Strategic Partnership with the Green Schools National Network (GSNN)

Our collaboration with the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) underscores our dedication to sustainability and experiential learning. This partnership supports the development of an innovative educational model aligned with our sustainability framework and mission. Together, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of global citizens.

Bandera Azul Ecológica in the Climate Change Category

We are honored to have received the prestigious Bandera Azul Ecológica in the Climate Change category. This award reflects our institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability and is a direct result of collective efforts from students, staff, and the community. By systematically analyzing data and implementing targeted strategies, we demonstrated measurable progress in environmental responsibility.

This achievement is a testament to our vision of fostering environmental stewardship and is deeply rooted in our values of reciprocity and responsibility.

Re-Acreditation as an IB Diploma Programme College

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme remains a cornerstone of our academic framework. This re-authorization confirms our dedication to delivering rigorous, world-class education. By equipping students with critical thinking and intercultural understanding, we empower them to excel in higher education and beyond.

This milestone aligns with our Strategic Plan’s Objective 1: to create an educational model that reflects our mission, values, and principles.

CIS Accreditation

We are proud to have achieved Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation, a recognition of our commitment to intercultural understanding, global citizenship, and academic excellence. This certification strengthens our ability to foster holistic and sustainability-based educational experiences, as highlighted in the 1st Action Line of our Strategic Plan.

Great Place to Work Certification

UWC Costa Rica is now officially certified as a Great Place to Work, making us the only educational institution in Costa Rica to receive this honor. This recognition reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive, diverse, and enriching work environment that supports our staff in their mission to nurture young changemakers.

Historic Cooperation Agreement with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education (MEP)

In an exciting step forward, UWC Costa Rica and the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) signed a momentous cooperation agreement. This partnership opens new doors for Costa Rican students and educators through initiatives like:

- Enhanced Multilingual Education: Strengthening global communication and intercultural understanding.

- Cultural Exchange Programs: Connecting students globally through virtual and in-person interactions.

- Professional Development for Educators: Sharing innovative teaching approaches aligned with MEP guidelines.

- Sustainability Workshops: Promoting environmental awareness and responsible citizenship.

Through bilingual workshops, co-curricular activities, and academic initiatives, we are empowering public school students and teachers to become agents of change. This agreement underscores our commitment to reciprocity and learning together to build a brighter future for Costa Rica.

These achievements affirm our unwavering commitment to our mission: cultivating in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet. Each milestone reflects our dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and academic excellence, as well as our belief in the transformative power of collaboration.

Let’s continue learning from nature and from each other—for a lifetime.