The Cleveland Council on World Affairs is seeking internationally-minded families to virtually welcome one or two high-achieving high school students from Mexico! Students will engage in programming focused on Mayan and English language learning, tech education, financial literacy, and empowering tomorrow’s leaders.

The students are participating in the Jóvenes en Acción (“Youth in Action”) exchange program that provides high school students from Mexico to engage with resources in the United States to build leadership, communication, English language, and community engagement skills. Participants engage in synchronous and asynchronous workshops, online activities, meetings with community leaders, and site visits. Participants are developing service projects they will plan to implement in their home communities. This program is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State, the Mexican government, and the private sector.

The virtual home stay component will help familiarize students with culture and family life in the Cleveland area.  CCWA is looking for virtual host families who would like to welcome one or two students during two or three self-directed virtual interactions between October 13 – November 7, 2021. Exact meeting dates and times are flexible and based on you and your student’s availability. There is a priority for families with at least one member of high school age. Background checks required for adult hosts.

What does a virtual exchange look like?

• Host families are welcome to get creative and tailor the interactions to highlight the local culture–and learn about your student’s community in Mexico!
• Ideas for engagement: swapping letters and recipes with participants; plan a home or neighborhood tour (on video or by drawing a map); prepare a unique meal; plan a school tour (for families with high school age students); play an online video game (CCWA may assist with set up).

CCWA Provides:

• Host family orientation, virtual welcoming get-together, farewell celebration
• Suggestions and guidance on structuring virtual interactions
• Small stipends available to support family tech access

Host Families Provide:

• A welcoming and open environment for dialogue and a two-way exchange
• A minimum of two self-directed virtual interactions for 1.5 – 2 hours
• Access to a computer and video/webcam with a strong internet connection

For more information and to sign up, please contact Andrew Kovach at akovach@ccwa.org or (216) 255-9008.