American Exchange Project pitches reciprocal U.S. exchange to Pulaski County schools
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Summary
Representatives from the American Exchange Project described a free, donor‑funded reciprocal exchange that pairs high‑school seniors from different U.S. towns for two weeks (one week each way). Organizers said the program is typically run by local educators, is funded by philanthropy, emphasizes background checks for host families and recommended 5–12 students in year one for Pulaski County.
The Pulaski County School Board heard a presentation from representatives of the American Exchange Project, which runs reciprocal domestic exchanges that organizers say broaden students’ perspectives without travel overseas.
David McCullough, CEO and co‑founder, described the program’s model: "We send high school seniors on a two‑week exchange to an American town that is radically different from their own," he said, explaining students spend a week hosted in another town and host peers in their own community the following week. McCullough said the nonprofit budgets slots for participating communities and raises funds from donors and foundations to make the program free for students.
Organizers said they perform national, state and driving‑record background checks on all adults in host households and provide preparation materials and virtual meetings in the spring. Jeff Hess, the colleague who handles school onboarding, described how local educators recruit students and host families, run itineraries and provide supervision; the presenters said the program works best when one or two teacher‑leaders run a cohort and recommended 5–12 students for Pulaski County’s first year.
Board members asked about costs, host‑family screening and timelines. Presenters said the program is supported by foundations and donors (McCullough mentioned large grants from Carnegie, Rockefeller and MacArthur among others) and that Pulaski would not be asked to underwrite slots, though local fundraising could support additional students. Staff said Jessica from the organization will visit Pulaski County in March to meet schools and conduct a site tour.
Board members expressed interest and gave informal permission for staff to continue planning and host the organization for a tour and follow‑up discussion; no formal board action or district financial commitment was requested at the meeting.