Thousands of MPS students participate in 9th annual UN World Fair

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --Thousands of Milwaukee Public Schools students participated Thursday, at the 9th annual United Nations International Learning World Fair at the Baird Center.

More than 2,400 students from 17 of Wisconsin's most diverse schools gathered in downtown Milwaukee to explore strengths and challenges of different countries around the globe.

"When we expose them to other cultures and other opportunities, it causes them to think a little bit differently," said MPS Foundation Executive Director Willie Jude II. "How can they be problem solvers, but also tie it back to what's happening in the country today?"

Jude said it's important to show students just how interconnected the world is.

"Really infuse the principles of the United Nations and give our students the opportunities to learn about other countries, right, 193 countries who are members of the UN," he added.

At the fair, students presented their projects to each other, and they got to see some pretty fun cultural performances, with a special surprise toward the end for 8th graders who were able to go a bit more in-depth in their research.

"They'll be awarded two $500 scholarships to implement a community service project either in their school or directly in their community," Jude said.