If we receive interest or a positive response from the school board, then we will ask for a list of partner school to reach out to and begin working on a Statement of Understanding (SOU), followed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a formal, renewable contract with the school district. We will definitely want… Continue reading What should you expect when you contact us?
Author: Interstate Scholars
Do families with students in the program need to host a student from another community?
No, this is not a requirement. Families can both host a student and have a participating student if they choose to, but there is no expectation that they should.
Do students need to be enrolled at one of the participating schools to participate?
To participate in the exchange, yes, you need to be attending one of the participating schools. However, Interstate Scholars also hosts Interstate Stories, a story-sharing space open to students at any school.
Will all of the student’s time be scheduled, or will there be free time for activities with the host family and community?
Most of a student’s time during the day on weekdays will be scheduled, and some weekend time will be used for traveling and group events. Evenings and the rest of the weekends will be open for activities with host families and new friends.
How can I support Interstate Scholars?
Interstate Scholars is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers. You can volunteer as a tutor (we specifically look for college students as tutors), as part of the core staff, or help us organize fundraising efforts at your school. If you are comfortable making a financial contribution, we welcome that as well.
Will students be able to put activities they do during the program on resumes or school applications?
Volunteering is an excellent activity to include on school applications and resumes. If your trip inspires you to set up a project to benefit your community, or continue volunteering after you return home, that would also be a good thing to put on an application or resume.
Will students who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch at their home schools be offered the same option at the school they visit?
Given a stipend for lunch+we cover lunch on some days.
Will students who have participated in the program in the past be eligible to participate again?
No; our goal is to offer this opportunity to as many students as possible, so preference will be given to students who have not participated in the past. However, alumni will still be offered tutoring and community support. If alumni would like to participate in other ways as well, they can talk to Interstate Scholars… Continue reading Will students who have participated in the program in the past be eligible to participate again?
Do students pay to participate in Interstate Scholars?
No. Interstate Scholars is funded by donations and sponsors, and student participation is free.* If you would like to support the program with a donation, click here. * If students lose or damage host family property during the program, they will be responsible for the cost of replacement or repair. If a student is expelled… Continue reading Do students pay to participate in Interstate Scholars?
Interstate Scholars 