ROCHESTER HILLS — A new educational program has been developed to provide a hands-on cultural education experience for students while teachers and staff receive simultaneous professional development as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

The program is a result of a joint venture between MBC Global, a Rochester Hills cultural education organization, and Cool & Associates, a Waterford consulting organization.

In the program, students and volunteers assemble to learn about one of the global cultures.  Current selections include “A day in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” “Working with the chief in Nigeria,” and “Key success factors from a global perspective,” among others.

Faculty, administrators and staff meet in a separate area for professional development.  Their session could be “Communicating with parents,” “Procrastination — preparing lesson plans on time,” “Reconnect with your creativity so you can reconnect with your students,” or other available topics.

The unique program allows schools to enhance a student learning experience while affording the opportunity for professional development during school hours.

Both the professional and student development portions of the program are highly interactive sessions offering hands-on experiential learning.

MBC Global is an international organization based near Detroit, Michigan, dedicated solely to increasing cultural knowledge and  awareness. MBC Global believes the more we know about the cultures flavoring the world, the better equipped we are to appreciate and embrace the differences that make each culture unique. With members representing 6 continents, MBC  Global connects cultures through a unique website. MBC Global also  offers developmental and training programs, setting it apart from other cultural organizations. MBC Global has been offering State Board CEUs through the Macomb Intermediate School District for the past four years and online for educators throughout the country.  They have also provided programs for professional staff development at community colleges.  Cool & Associates, Inc. is a Waterford Township-based consulting company that specializes in assisting individuals and small to medium size companies in their introduction to and expansion into the global marketplace, using synergistic market analysis. Having successfully worked in 54 countries throughout the world, C&A brings a unique view of the many varied cultures that all organizations must adapt to in an effort to enter, maintain and expand in the global marketplace.

For more information about Cool & Associates, Inc., send an email to jcool@cool-associates.com or visit www.cool-associates.com.

For more information about MBC Global, send an email to rick@mbcglobal.org or visit www.mbcglobal.org.

More information about the program is available from MBC Global by calling 248.802.6138 or Cool & Associates at 248.683.1130.