Posted October 24, 2023
The American Exchange Project provides opportunities for recently graduated students within the U.S. to participate in a weeklong exchange that runs through the summer within different communities. The aim is to bring students together from varying backgrounds with the hope of engaging them in complex conversations about geo-political, social, racial and other issues with the hope that they will begin to find common ground and also break down barriers that have divided the American people. In addition, the hope is to challenge their thinking to bring about change. The program attempts to intentionally place students in an environment that is different from their own (Urban vs Rural, Conservative vs Liberal).
Three DCIS students were involved in the American Exchange Project this past summer
Camay Hunter was the Exchange Manager for the Denver Community. Three students from DCIS and four recent graduates from other states (Maine, Arkansas, California, and Montana) were involved this summer. Participation in this program is voluntary and paid for by the American Exchange Project.
The Exchange Program pays for food, airfare and expenses related to daily activities. Host families across the country within the different communities host students for 8 days while the Exchange Manager organizes activities for the week and engages students in conversations. Some of the activities our students engaged in were:
Meow Wolf – Convergence Station, Jazz in the Park – Denver City Park, 7 Denver Art Museum, Taste of Colorado, Black Arts Festival, Idaho Hot Springs, El Noa Noa, La Alma Park (History and Art of the Chicano/a/x people), West High School (History and Art of the Chicano/a/x people), Boondocks (Go-cart, mini-golf, bowling). Other stops included a visit to Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (see agenda), Staunton State Park and Escape Room in Littleton.