David McCullough III Shares the Story of The American Exchange Project and His Optimistic Vision for Its Future

David McCullough got the idea for The American Exchange Project (AEP) after a cross-country trip showed him how diverse and accepting were the people he met.  Today, AEP creates opportunities for recent high school graduates to experience life in a different part of the US, building bridges of understanding and creating lifelong friendships.  It’s McCullough’s hope that these trips will someday be as common for high schoolers as the senior prom. 

 

Chapters:

02:17 Growing Up in a History-Minded Family 
David reflects on how his family’s rich history and values shaped his understanding of American identity and the importance of learning from the past. 

06:09 Historical Amnesia and Current Divides 
Bill and David discuss the current polarization in America, emphasizing the need for historical literacy to navigate complex societal issues. 

07:16 A Life-Changing College Experience 
David recounts a pivotal trip he took during college that opened his eyes to the realities of education and the deep divides within the country. 

14:11 The Birth of the American Exchange Project 
David shares how his transformative experiences during his travels led to the creation of the American Exchange Project, aimed at fostering understanding among youth. 

16:11 Exploring the American Exchange Project 
David explains the mission of the American Exchange Project, which facilitates domestic exchanges for high school students to experience different American cultures. 

22:01 Building Bridges Through Shared Experiences 
The importance of empathy and understanding is highlighted as David discusses how students learn to see commonalities despite differences during their exchanges. 

29:07 Confronting Political Discontent 
David addresses the challenge of political polarization, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue and the role of the American Exchange Project in fostering meaningful connections. 

31:12 The Lasting Impact of Exchange 
Reflecting on the transformative experiences of past participants, David highlights how The American Exchange Project fosters lasting connections and changes in perspectives. He emphasizes the significance of these exchanges in shaping young adults’ futures. 

34:01 Expanding the Model 
The conversation shifts to the potential for expanding the AEP model to college students and beyond. David hints at exciting developments in collaboration with universities to create similar experiences for incoming freshmen. 

36:10 The Value of Shared Experiences 
David reflects on the importance of shared experiences in fostering friendships and understanding among diverse groups. He draws parallels between The American Exchange Project and historical coming-of-age rituals that unite young people. 

40:01 Building a Sustainable Future 
Discussing the financial model of the American Exchange Project, David explains how donations and volunteerism sustain the initiative. He shares his vision for the program’s growth and its potential to become a staple in American education. 

44:35 The Edict of the Optimist 
In the concluding segment, David emphasizes the importance of taking action to create positive change, embodying the ‘edict of the optimist.’ The conversation wraps up with a call to support The American Exchange Project and get involved.