The American Exchange Project helps high school seniors build friendships across America's divides through free week-long exchanges. Students visit communities very different from their own, staying with local families while also hosting visitors in their hometown. Founded in 2018 by David McCullough III after his eye-opening road trip across America, AEP has helped over 1,000 students from 54 partner schools in 32 states.
The program runs year-round with students planning together, finding out their destination on 'AEP Day' in March, then traveling and hosting during summer. Unlike debate programs, AEP focuses on building genuine connections through shared meals, local activities, volunteering, and everyday conversations. Students explore local culture, meet community leaders, try regional foods, and learn about different careers.
Research shows 90% of participants make close friendships, develop more trust in fellow Americans, and maintain connections years later. The program is completely free, covering flights, meals, housing, and activities. By having students both travel and host, AEP creates mutual understanding between different communities - rural and urban, rich and poor, across political divides.
The goal is making cross-cultural exchange as common as senior prom, connecting Americans one relationship at a time.