DALLAS, Texas - Connor Smith, a first-year lacrosse player from Southlake, Texas, has been selected to attend the World Affairs Council of America's (WACA) 2010 National Conference, U.S. Foreign Policy: Into the Next Decade. WACA offered 25 scholarships for students and young professionals from the national network to attend the event, which is dedicated to educating the American public and preparing future leaders for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century. 

The WACA National Conference, held annually for over a decade, gives members of the U.S. councils an opportunity to network and engage with some of the most well-regarded global policymakers and experts on the critical national security challenges before us.

Smith was chosen for his academic excellence and leadership both on and off the field as a NCAA DIII Varsity Lacrosse player and as president of the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security. He will receive an all-expense paid trip to attend the WACA Conference November 4th and 5th in Washington, DC and gain critical insight and valuable experience with prominent global leaders.

Founded in 1951, the nonprofit, nonpartisan World Affairs Council offers the public and its more than 3,300 members opportunities to learn firsthand from world leaders, policymakers, ambassadors, journalists and world affairs experts. It presents over 100 programs annually to enlighten and entertain North Texas. In addition to impacting more than 100,000 students each year through its International Education Program, the Council coordinates visits to North Texas of delegations and leaders from around the globe through the administration of its International Visitor Program and the City of Dallas Office of Protocol.

The mission of the World Affairs Council is to promote international awareness, understanding and connections through its multifaceted programs.  The Council works to enhance the region's global stature and to prepare North Texans to thrive in our complex world. Please visit our website at www.dfwworld.org for more information.

For more information about the WACA conference, please visit their website at www.worldaffairscouncils.org.