Sonoma County covers a large area and is home to about 450,000 people. There are about ten different cities in the county. There is a big focus on local and organic food production, as well as large scale commercial agriculture. There are hills around the county covered with vineyards and orchards. Ethnically, Sonoma County is predominately white, although there are many different ethnic groups that live there. The largest minority population is Latino (primarily Mexican and Central American). Sonoma County is home to the founders of the Global Student Embassy and directors work to expand the high school student base. Currently students from El Molino HS, Analy HS and Windsor HS are involved in GSE programs. Students meet during and after school to participate in GSE workshops, discuss community issues, and plan local and international development projects. Private contributors and businesses in Sonoma County provided the main financial support for GSE, and during the year its communities support numerous fundraising events. In January, students from our participating locations travel to California and participate in community development projects such as vegetable garden building, mural painting, and cultural presentations. Participants interact with local students over a month with a full schedule of cultural and educational activities. In June Sonoma students, directors, and chaperons travel with different groups to our participating locations to help implement development projects and to learn about the communities' of their international peers.