PARTNER WITH WAC
Houston does business with the world. WAC prepares Houston to lead in it.
Ambassadors, CEOs, and global decision-makers come to Houston to speak with us, and our students and young professionals learn to work alongside them. Your partnership puts them in the room.
Organizations already at the table
Akin Gump · American Turkish Association · Awty · Bilingual Education Institute · Dress for Success · Dynamis Power Solutions · Expand Energy Corporation · Gardenia Foundation · Greater Houston Women’s Chamber · HCC · HMH · Houston First Corporation · Houston Hispanic Chamber · Martha Turner Sotheby’s · PA Miller Consulting · Porsche River Oaks · PPA Resources · Pyxis Advisory Group · Rice University · Sam Houston State · Sequitur Energy Resources · TakeRoot · Teneo · University of St. Thomas
WHY PARTNER WITH WAC
Houston doesn’t need students who’ve read about diplomacy. It needs students who’ve sat at the table.
For more than fifty years, the World Affairs Council has brought the world’s decision-makers to Houston. Today that work reaches into classrooms too. Students learn to think on their feet, argue with facts, and bring people together even when they disagree. Professionals learn to lead in a world that doesn’t stop at the Texas border. Sponsors make all of it possible.
WE EDUCATE
Students across 80 schools in 2026
This isn’t a promise for someday. It already happened. In 2026, students across Greater Houston learned diplomacy, debate, and negotiation. More than 7 in 10 competitors in our largest program come from Title I schools.
The seat they earn is a seat you funded.
WE CONVENE
Business and civic leaders at our flagship luncheon
Presidents, secretaries of state, and the chairmen and CEOs of Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Phillips 66 have spoken to this audience, and Houston’s decision-makers came to listen.
Your organization stands beside the leaders Houston listens to.
WE BUILD COMMUNITY
Professionals have graduated from our Institute
More than 300 young professionals join our events each year. They return, bring colleagues, and move into leadership across every Houston industry. The conversation continues long after the event.
Your organization becomes known to the leaders of the next decade.
Imagine what happens next.
A Houston where every student with the drive gets the room to grow into the leader our world needs. Our Scouting program has already more than doubled, from 62 Scouts in its first year to 136 in 2026. Sponsors are how the next number gets bigger, one seat at a time.
THE IMPACT OF WAC
What happens when a student gets a seat at the table.
In the words of the students and teachers who were there.
Without exaggeration, the educational programming of the World Affairs Council of Houston was the most formative part of my high school years.
Former student, now in college
I realized then that international affairs was more than just a subject I was interested in. It was a field in which I could make a difference.
Academic WorldQuest alum, now in college
They bring in men and women who’ve been central to these big historical, global, impactful events. They put them in the same room as my high school students.
High school teacher
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Put your name behind Houston’s global future.
Behind every program is a student who found their voice, a young professional who found their network, a leader who found Houston’s global stage. Your sponsorship got them there.
Be in the room with Houston’s decision-makers.
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Jesse H. Jones Awards Luncheon
The city’s flagship luncheon honors the people who connect Houston to the world. Past speakers include President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$10,000 to $100,000
WHEN
Fall 2027
ESTIMATED AUDIENCE
500+ Houston’s business leaders
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Global Energy Summit
Leaders from Shell, Hess, DNV, and Engie Resources have taken this stage to talk about where energy goes next.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$3,000 to $15,000
WHEN
Fall 2027
ESTIMATED AUDIENCE
250+ Energy professionals
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Global Young Professionals
300+ rising professionals a year
Events on diplomacy, culture, and career growth for the people who will lead Houston companies next.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$10,000 annual
WHEN
All year, 2027
COMMUNITY
300+ rising professionals a year
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute
Professionals learn from FBI agents, CIA analysts, and ambassadors. Sponsors receive complimentary seats for their teams.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$2,000 to $10,000
WHEN
Spring, summer, fall 2027
ALUMNI NETWORK
280+ since 2021 from emerging to senior leaders
Shape the next generation of global leaders.
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Academic WorldQuest
Houston’s team placed in the top 10 of 90 councils at the national competition in Washington, D.C.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$500 to $25,000
WHEN
Spring 2027
Student served
360+ students from 41 schools in 2026
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Global Houston Model UN
A conference where students negotiate as diplomats. Sponsors also fund teacher workshops for 24 schools.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$500 to $25,000
WHEN
Spring 2027
Student served
800+ students from 36 schools in 2026
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Global Scholars Academy
Crisis simulations hosted inside Chevron, Aramco, and Phillips 66. More than 350 students since 2021.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$500 to $20,000
WHEN
Summer 2027
GSA Alumni
500+ graduates since 2021
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Youth Diplomacy Forum
Students practice diplomacy alongside working diplomats and industry leaders.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$1,500 to $15,000
WHEN
Fall 2027
Audience
Over 150 students and teachers
RESERVE EARLY FOR 2027
Scouting Merit Badges
Up from 62 Scouts in the first year, and growing.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$3,500 to $10,000
WHEN
Summer 2027
Scouts and badges
135+ scouts, 8 merit badges in 2026
Bring your expertise to the table.
A venue, printing, catering, media, or professional services can all be part of a sponsorship. Tell us what you can give and we will build a package around it.
Venues · Printing and signage · Catering · Photography and video · Media · Professional services
WHAT PARTNERSHIP MEANS
Be known as a champion of global education.
Houston’s students, educators, and business community will see your name beside the programs that prepare the next generation. Here is what that includes.
01
Recognition across Houston
Your name on event signage, our website, social channels, and newsletter, beside the programs that prepare Houston’s next leaders.
02
Seats for your people
Reserved seats or a table for clients, executives, and employees, plus complimentary Institute seats at select levels.
03
A voice in the room
Remarks or a speaking moment at select events, so the audience hears why your company invests in global education.
04
Proof of what you made possible
A year-end impact report showing the students and professionals your sponsorship reached.
THE WAC PARTNERSHIP
What our partners say about investing in WAC.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our partnership with the World Affairs Council is knowing that our support helps open doors for local high schools and college students. Providing young people with opportunities to learn from global leaders, explore international issues, and broaden their perspectives is an investment in the future of Houston and beyond.”
President, Houston City College Northwest
“As a company operating in a global industry, we recognize the importance of international dialogue, collaboration, and understanding. The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston creates a valuable space where energy leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and community members can exchange ideas and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping our shared future.”
Halliburton
More ways to support the Council
Become a corporate member
Join Houston’s global community of companies, with discounted event pricing for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about World Affairs Council of Greater Houston sponsorship opportunities.
No. Sponsorship is open to any company. Corporate members also receive discounted event pricing.
No. The form starts a conversation. Sandija Bayot, our Chief Development Officer, will reply within two business days to discuss availability, benefits, and timing.
Yes. Tell us your goal and the audience you want to reach, and we will shape a package around it.
Yes. A venue, printing, catering, media, or professional services can all be part of a sponsorship. Tell us what you can offer and we will talk through how it fits, including the recognition you receive.
The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please check with your tax advisor.
Earlier is better. Logo placement, printed materials, and table seating are set ahead of each event.
Be part of the movement. Invest in the future.
Tell us what you want your sponsorship to achieve. We will match you with the right program and show you what it makes possible.
Prefer to talk?
Sandija Bayot, Chief Development Officer
Sbayot@wachouston.org · (713) 522-7811
Let's work
The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.