Heritage Immersion Model

By embedding education and community engagement within immersive cultural and historical experiences, deepen identity connection and learning retention, because experiential participation fosters emotional resonance and contextual understanding that passive instruction cannot. This strategy leverages physical, ritual, and narrative elements of cultural heritage—such as historic sites, traditional celebrations, and ancestral lineage—to create meaningful, context-rich learning environments. Unlike purely academic or advocacy-focused approaches, it emphasizes sensory and emotional engagement as a driver of sustained identity formation and educational impact, distinguishing it from strategies centered on policy, workforce development, or abstract pedagogy.

orgs running it

activities of those orgs

activity groups touched

who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 4

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

Fund scholarships and grants for students and teachers in classical studies CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
grantmaking
Administers multiple scholarship and grant programs, including up to $2000 annually for a student pursuing a Master's to teach Latin, up to $1000 for teachers' summer study, one-year grants for college students preparing to teach, up to four $250 grants for members attending the Annual Institute, and up to $1500 annually for individuals transitioning to Latin teaching certification in New York State.
Host annual professional development institute for classical language educators CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
capacity building
Organizes the CAES Annual Institute every fall, which has been held since 1964, to support the professional development of classical language teachers through workshops, scholarly sessions, and networking opportunities; includes virtual delivery during 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Map classical studies programs in New York State CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
research
Conducts research to map existing K-12, college, and university Latin programs and Junior Classical League clubs across New York State to inform outreach and support efforts.
Post classical language teaching vacancies CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
direct service
Shares notices about Latin, Greek, and classics teaching positions in New York State to support hiring and workforce development in the field.
Produce and distribute classical education instructional materials CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
direct service
Develops and revises instructional materials aligned with NYSED guidelines, including reading materials and assessment items for Checkpoint A and B (and anticipated Checkpoint C) standards in classical education, organized by content area and test format.
Promote the study of classical languages and civilizations in New York State CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
direct service
Advances interest in and supports the study of classical languages and civilizations in schools and colleges across New York State through ongoing educational initiatives and public programming.
Provide certification and curricular support for classical language educators CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
capacity building
Offers resources and guidance for classical language teachers, including information on New York State teaching certification requirements, support for implementing the Seal of Biliteracy, assistance for Junior Classical League (JCL) programs, and training on integrating AI tools into curriculum and assessment design.
Recognize excellence in Latin teaching and programming CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
advocacy
Conducts advocacy and recognition initiatives by presenting annual awards to individuals and programs, including the June U. Stillwell Outstanding New York State Latin Program Award, an award for outstanding member contributions, and recognition of community supporters and meritorious Latin programs.
Support Latin program sustainability and growth CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
advocacy
Develops a toolkit and rapid response network to support at-risk Latin programs in New York State, including adaptable advocacy letters and growth resources, to strengthen program resilience and visibility.
Construction and development of Hellenic Studies Centers and museums PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Constructs and completes academic and cultural facilities including the Hellenic Studies Center Paideia at the University of Rhode Island, the Hellenic Museum at the University of Connecticut, and the Macedonia Educational Building and Museum in Bristol, CT, to support Hellenic studies and public education.
Development of classical open-air theaters in the U.S. PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Opened the first authentic classical-style open-air theater in America, named "Alexander the Great," on September 29, 2012, and included a classical theater as part of the Hellenic Studies Center Paideia at the University of Rhode Island.
Establishment of classical architectural and religious structures on university campuses PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Opened the first Greek Orthodox Church at a U.S. state university (University of Connecticut, 1995), constructed a replica of the Tholos of Delphi at the University of South Alabama (1998), and is building the Ayios Loukas Greek Orthodox Chapel as part of the Hellenic Studies Center Paideia at the University of Rhode Island.
Excluded from Jewish landscape PAIDEIA US INC

Classified non-Jewish by classify-orgs (secular).
Expansion and chapter development PAIDEIA US INC
capacity building
Established chapters in multiple U.S. states, Brazil, and Greece to expand organizational reach and support for Hellenic education and cultural preservation.
Hosting and exhibition of cultural and historical exhibits PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Hosts the Ancient Greek Technology exhibit from the Kostas Katsanas Museum at the University of Connecticut and offers group tours; also opened the Macedonia Museum in Bristol, CT, with an inaugural Aiani exhibit in 2010.
Operation of study abroad programs in Greece PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Offers a large-scale, year-round study abroad program to Greece for high school and college students in partnership with prestigious Greek institutions, including use of a renovated neoclassical building in Rhodes, Greece, opened in 2013.
Provision of academic programs and educational lectures in Hellenic studies PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Provides educational lectures, establishes Greek and Byzantine studies classes at universities and high schools, hosts UConn’s Greek and Byzantine studies classes, and offers Modern Greek language instruction at the University of Rhode Island.
Provision of scholarships and financial support for Hellenic education PAIDEIA US INC
direct service
Grants scholarships to students to offset tuition costs for educational programs and established financial support for the Modern Greek Program at Virginia Tech.