The Founder
Robinette D Cross
The Founder
Robinette D. Cross is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated magna cum laude with Departmental Honors and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Concentration in Africa in 2006. While at Spelman, Robinette benefitted from three study-abroad opportunities in Morocco, London, and South Africa. Having completed her Fulbright year, Robinette embarked on a doctoral program at New York University, where she completed significant doctoral work (ABD) in African History with a concentration in Morocco.
Currently, Robinette is an instructor in the Social Studies department at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies in Richmond, Virginia, where she teaches Global Studies, Civil Rights, Middle East and North African Culture and History, and US History. Her commitment to excellence and community impact led to the founding of Cross-Cultural Talks.
Robinette Cross is also a 2006 - 2007 Fulbright scholar. She continued her studies in Arabicand Moroccan culture while researching "The Intersection between Islam and Women's Dress in Morocco." A grateful participant in the State Department's Islamic Initiative, Robinette benefitted from more than a year of intensive study in Moroccan and Modern Standard Arabic. Also, she tutored Moroccan women and girls in English.
ABOUT THE PASSPORT PROGRAM
The Passport Program's mission is to enrich communities and schools by introducing languages and cultures, promoting inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all students to thrive in a globalized world.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT SCHOOLS NEED
The Passport Program is tailored to meet the specific needs of schools and school districts, offering flexibility in duration and content to fit different educational schedules. Whether implemented as a six-week intensive course, an eight-week extended summer program, or a semester-long approach, the Passport Program can be customized to align with each institution's curricular goals and time constraints. By addressing the increasing demand for early language education and cultural competency, the program supports schools in preparing students for a globalized world.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Passport Program is not just about learning languages and cultures; it's about opening doors to new opportunities. This innovative and immersive educational initiative aims toprovide a foundational understanding of global diversity, foster cultural awareness, and accelerate language learning at a young age.
The Passport Program prepares students for high school language requirements and beyond by integrating language instruction with cultural exploration. It also enhances their cognitive abilities and broadens their worldviews, setting them up for success in a global community.
PROGRAM DETAILS
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
• Duration: Six-week, eight-week, or semester long options.
• Target Audience: Elementary and middle school students.
• Instructors: Certified teachers and high school volunteers (AP level or higher for advanced languages)
CURRICULUM
• Languages and Cultures: Introduction to Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic, American Sign Language, German, Russian, and Japanese.
• Cultural Exploration: In-depth exploration of the countries and cultures associated with each language.
• Interactive Activities: Cultural crafts, music, food tasting, and virtual field trips.
ASSESSMENT
• Passport Stamps: Students receive a stamp in their passport (provided by Cross-Cultural Talks) for each language and culture completed.
• Progress Reports: Regular feedback and progress tracking for students and parents.
BENEFITS AND OUTCOMES
COGNITIVE BENEFITS
✅ Early language learning enhances cognitive development, improves memory, and increasesproblemsolving skills (Cornell Chronicle) (Science in the News).
✅ Studies show that children who learn a second language perform better academically (ERTHEO) (ACTFL).
CULTURAL AWARENESS
✅ Exposure to different cultures fosters empathy, open-mindedness, and global awareness (ERTHEO).
✅ Students develop a greater appreciation for diversity and inclusivity.
ACCELERATED LEARNING
✅ Early language education provides a head start for middle school language requirements.
✅ Students gain confidence in language learning, making future language acquisition more accessible
(Cornell Chronicle) (UW Homepage).
PRICING AND PAYMENT TERMS
Program Fees
Pricing varies based on the duration and number of participants. Summer sessions (6 to 8 weeks) start at $10,000; Year-long sessions start at $40,000.
Discounts are available for schools enrolling in multiple classes or committing to multi-yearParticipation.
Payment Terms
Payments can be made in full or in two parts (half prior to services and half at an agreed-upon time)
Scholarships and grants are available for students who demonstrate need.
NEXT STEPS
Initial Consultation:
Schedule a meeting with the school to discuss specific needs and customization options.
Review program structure and curriculum details.
Program Planning:
Develop a tailored implementation plan based on the school's schedule and preferences.
Recruit and train instructors and volunteers.
Program Launch:
Begin the Passport Program with an introductory session for students and parents.
Monitor progress and provide ongoing support to ensure program success.
CONCLUSION
The Passport Program offers elementary and middle school students a unique opportunity to embark on a linguistic and cultural discovery journey. By introducing languages and cultures early, the program enhances cognitive development. It prepares students for future academic and personal success in a diverse and interconnected world.
We look forward to partnering with your school to bring this enriching experience to your students.
TESTIMONIALS
“They wanted to go daily and were sad that the ASL and Arabic were over.”
“I loved how the instructors engaged with the students and how they made learning fun with grace and patience.”
- L. Pontonporo, Kindergarten Teacher
“I only wish we had more time!”
- E. Ladd, Kindergarten Teacher
“It would be an excellent addition to social rotations or clubs during the school year.”
- J. Brown, Kindergarten Teacher
“[I enjoyed] Seeing the kids excited to learn something different.”
- A. Williams, 4th Grade Teacher
“[I enjoyed the] diversity of students.
- T. Williams, 5th Grade Teacher
“[I enjoyed] Learning myself, and the program kept EVERYONE engaged.”
- C. McKnight, Kindergarten Teacher
“The language program is valuable to student learning because it exposes them to other cultures and increases counting and coloring skills.”
- Z. Henley, Kindergarten Teacher
“[I enjoyed] Student enthusiasm and the professionalism of staff.”
- Brooks-Greene, 4th Grade Teacher and Student Advocate
“[I enjoyed] The student engagement. When we returned to the class, the students wanted me to show them places on the map where the languages were spoken.”
- J. Brown, Kindergarten Teacher“
I enjoyed learning a bit of language myself, and the kids were always excited to go, so I enjoyed hearing them repeat what they had learned for me.”
- K. Cheatham, 5th Grade Teacher