A first-of-its-kind student exchange program may help bridge the nation’s growing political divide.
The American Exchange Project connects kids from red states with kids from blue states in hopes of breaking down stereotypes and building understanding.
“I’ve never talked to conservative people because Berkley and Albany, where I live, is very, very liberal,” says Teo Mendoza-Ayduk.
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He is among four Denver teenagers for the project, which allows children from very different states to visit communities very different from their own, geographically, politically and culturally, to share experiences and challenge existing beliefs.
Born and raised in California, Mendoza-Ayduk admits he thought all conservatives were the same: “Guns, no abortions, racists, super homophobic, sexists.”
But he learned that Tre Williams, of conservative-leaning Arkansas, is nothing like that.
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The students also learned about the Chicano history of West Denver and the unpredictable weather of Colorado, when they went for a walk on a sunny morning only to be caught in hail in the afternoon.
“My favorite experience was hiking,” says Williams. “It was my first time and I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed it.”
Along the way, they learned they had more in common than they thought.
“We all get along. We all have a lot in common and even if we don’t, we can all relate to little things and then share our own experience,” says Mendoza-Ayduk.
Denver Public Schools math teacher Camay Hunter was the host for the week that she hopes will have a lifelong impact.
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“Whether they’re going to college or the workforce, they’re going to start sharing ideas that will help people better integrate their ideologies — understand other people’s perspectives. Being closed-minded is one of the worst places to be as a human being.”
Nearly 500 students from more than 34 states, including Colorado, have participated in the weeklong exchange since it began four years ago. It is funded entirely by donations and is free for participating students.
Shaun Boyd
