Library staff propose free domestic exchange program for ConVal seniors through American Exchange Project

Library media specialists Ashley Mudrick and Rachel Bowman presented the American Exchange Project (AEP), a domestic exchange program that organizers describe as a free, two- to three-week summer experience for graduating seniors.

Mudrick and Bowman said the program would allow each participating ConVal senior to spend a week in a community elsewhere in the United States and later host or help host visiting students during a hometown week. They said the program partners cover travel costs and provide materials; AEP pays for students’ trips and also provides modest funding for local hosts’ hometown-week activities.

"Because it's this free program there's no barriers other than time, for kids to be able to participate," Mudrick said. The presenters said AEP operates in dozens of high schools across nearly 40 states and that ConVal would serve as a partner school if the board supports moving forward with local logistics such as recruiting students and identifying host families.

Board members asked operational questions about host-family requirements, timing, and funding. Mudrick said a ConVal participant would not be required to host a visiting student to join the program; host families could include community members, and the district’s exchange managers (Mudrick and Bowman if approved) would help recruit and screen hosts and manage logistics. The presenters said planning and student recruitment would happen in fall and early spring, with travel and hometown-week activities occurring in the summer after graduation.

Board members expressed interest; one board member volunteered to be the first host. The board did not take a formal vote during the presentation. Mudrick and Bowman said they would continue planning with principal Heather McKillop and AEP staff and keep the board updated.