The Global Studies Academy, which is shared by Troy City Schools and Pike County Schools, is most often associated with Troy State University.

Juniors and seniors who meet the academy's high academic standards are able to take courses at Troy State three days a week for high school and college credit.

"Ideally, if (students) stay in the program for two years, they will graduate from high school almost college sophomores," said Phyllis Wilson, the academy facilitator.

But the academy is so much more than that and Wilson tries hard to give her students a "global" education.

Each month her 12 students do a community service project and participate in hands-on learning activities that introduce them to various careers.

August's service project included making motivational posters for the Alternative Learning Center.

The posters encourage courtesy, perseverance and positive thinking.

In September, the students will study communication and record public service announcements for WTBF.

They will also visit the television station at Troy State and learn what goes on behind and in front of the camera. The students will try every role from the soundman to the weatherman.

"I try to have a theme for every month," Wilson said.

The lessons and service projects fit within the theme and draw everything together.

During October, which is history month, the class will visit the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. Their biggest trip is in January when they visit the Alabama Shakespeare Festival during fine arts month.

The students also take part in a number of activities necessary for high school students, like making resumes and applying for college scholarships.

The class has a lot of fun and keeps track of all its activities in a class scrapbook.

"They do study quite a bit, but we keep a more relaxed atmosphere," Wilson said.