The Department of State and the Global SchoolNet Foundation announce the 2012 "Doors to Diplomacy" award competition, recognizing the student-created Global SchoolNet Web projects from around the globe that best teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy.

To qualify, middle school and high school students will work in small teams with teacher-coaches. Projects must be completed by March 15, 2012, and winners will be announced in May 2012. Every team that enters a project will receive a special "Doors to Diplomacy" certificate recognizing their achievement. Each student member of the two winning teams – one American and one international – will also receive a $2,000 scholarship and the winning coaches’ schools will each receive a $500 cash award.

For a complete description of the competition and information about eligibility and judging criteria, please visit http://globalschoolnet.org/gsndoors/. For more information, contact Dr. Yvonne Marie Andres of Global SchoolNet by phone at (760) 635-0001 or by e-mail at diplomacy@globalschoolnet.org or Wanda Ramsey of the Department of State by e-mail at RamseyWC@state.gov.