March 11, 2024-- The mission of the American Exchange Project (AEP) is to "to connect our divided country. We're stitching our country together, one student, one high school, one hometown at a time."
There are more than 30 states and 60 high schools across the country fulfilling this mission, becoming involved in a project that sends high school seniors to hometowns very different then their own following graduation. This summer, Toms River will be on the AEP map.
High School South teacher Charlene Wallace and High School North's Christine Girtain are two of AEP's newest exchange managers, and they've brought the program to Toms River. Seniors will have the opportunity to live with host families in a different state, meeting students from that hometown as well as others from across the country visiting the same location. This June, a cohort of TRRS seniors will embark to different states throughout the U.S.
During their stay, students will be involved with local activities and attractions, as well as community service events and learning about local business. Best of all, the program is free, funded entirely by AEP.