Benefiting the Community
The NHS supports the development of programs benefiting the Greek American “community” as defined within a modern context. The changes in Greek American demographics represent tremendous opportunities to help the next generation reconnect, explore and embrace their Hellenic roots and heritage. The NHS is committed to develop meaningful, relevant and inspiring programs at the regional/chapter and the national level, tailored to meet the needs of the growing and vibrant next generation.
heritage Greece
“Because I participated in Heritage Greece two years ago my family was inspired to travel to Greece to find the village that my Great Grandparents lived in. There we met countless relatives that I never knew I had all welcoming us with love and smiles.” – Kathryn Howell – HG 2011
NHS’ signature Heritage Greece Program serves as a model of change. “Heritage Greece” is a two-week cultural and educational immersion odyssey for accomplished and highly qualified Greek American college students and first-time visitors to Greece sharing their experiences with a peer group of Greek students from NHS’ partner and host institution—the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens. During the Program, the students are reconnected with their cultural roots, and their ancestors’ language, history and traditions and they experience modern Greece while learning about its ancient glory.
The Program has been described as life-changing by the students and their families. To support these personal testimonials and ensure that all aspects of Heritage Greece yield the desired objectives, the NHS has undertaken a scientific research study since the launch of the Program in 2009. The research study tracks the Program’s effectiveness in creating a strong sense of identity and belonging that will forever shape perceptions, attitudes and build lifelong bonds.
The experience doesn’t end when the students return, but rather it continues as the NHS plays a role in the lives of the students by mentoring and advising them through the Heritage Greece Alumni Network. In turn, the students stay connected with one another and engaged in other NHS’ Programs, allowing them to become true ambassadors of Hellenic heritage and culture.
NHS’ signature Heritage Greece Program serves as a model of change. “Heritage Greece” is a two-week cultural and educational immersion odyssey for accomplished and highly qualified Greek American college students and first-time visitors to Greece sharing their experiences with a peer group of Greek students from NHS’ partner and host institution—the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens. During the Program, the students are reconnected with their cultural roots, and their ancestors’ language, history and traditions and they experience modern Greece while learning about its ancient glory.
The Program has been described as life-changing by the students and their families. To support these personal testimonials and ensure that all aspects of Heritage Greece yield the desired objectives, the NHS has undertaken a scientific research study since the launch of the Program in 2009. The research study tracks the Program’s effectiveness in creating a strong sense of identity and belonging that will forever shape perceptions, attitudes and build lifelong bonds.
The experience doesn’t end when the students return, but rather it continues as the NHS plays a role in the lives of the students by mentoring and advising them through the Heritage Greece Alumni Network. In turn, the students stay connected with one another and engaged in other NHS’ Programs, allowing them to become true ambassadors of Hellenic heritage and culture.
MyParea Social Network
MyParea is NHS’ social networking website connecting Greek Americans and highlighting Hellenic heritage. MyParea caters to a growing contingent of Greek Americans, Hellenes and Philhellenes from around the world featuring very high quality content centered on Hellenic heritage and culture. It provides several useful resources that individuals, groups and organizations can use to facilitate communications, support events and advance knowledge. Since its establishment, NHS’ social networking website has been successful in reaching 3rd and 4th generation individuals of Hellenic descent that otherwise remained unconnected to their Greek heritage.
MyParea advances NHS’ mission of preserving heritage in a manner, pace and level dictated by the user. MyParea also complements NHS’ regional/chapter model facilitating “real time” social networking among MyParea users at venues that Chapter Co-Chairs can use to promote and advance NHS’ programs and vision. MyParea’s “Hellenic Career Center” module is also a very useful tool that provides a bridge between employers and MyParea users.
MyParea advances NHS’ mission of preserving heritage in a manner, pace and level dictated by the user. MyParea also complements NHS’ regional/chapter model facilitating “real time” social networking among MyParea users at venues that Chapter Co-Chairs can use to promote and advance NHS’ programs and vision. MyParea’s “Hellenic Career Center” module is also a very useful tool that provides a bridge between employers and MyParea users.
