April 29, 2025- Students were introduced to the American Exchange Project last year, and thanks to High School South teacher Charlene Wallace, it's back for a second go 'round.
Wallace will embark on her second year as an exchange manager, and a new crop of excited, curious, and courageous HSS seniors will help continue to put Toms River, NJ on the AEP map (above).
The non-profit program with a mission to "connect our divided country" boasts 54 participating high schools across 32 U.S. states. This summer, 12 High School South seniors will live with host families in a different state, meeting students from that hometown as well as other students from across the country visiting the same location.
And in June, those same local seniors will also have the opportunity to meet students traveling for a week to Toms River as part of their AEP experience.
During their stay, students are involved with local activities and attractions, as well as community service events. They learn about local business, an area's culture, and most importantly, make memories that last a lifetime.
And the best part: It's all FREE, funded entirely by the American Exchange Project.
"This is truly a chance for students to realize we are all not that different after all, while gaining real-world experiences and forging lifelong friendships," said Wallace. "Last year was a blast, and we're so excited to embark on this opportunity again."
Anyone interested in becoming involved with AEP this summer through a monetary or activity donation- such as dinner, hosting a trip to the boardwalk, or any activity that highlights what Toms River is all about- or learning more about future travel opportunities for rising juniors may contact Wallace at [email protected]. More information about AEP and its unique programs can be found out .
With a matter of weeks until the summer program kicks off, we wish the best of luck to this year's cohort of AEP traveling HSS seniors!