Ciao Maria Elena-Welcome to America

Have you met our friend, Maria? Well, she isn’t just a friend, she is our newest exchange student to come and live with us here in Utah! We are excited to have her come and experience American culture, cuisine, and community for 10 months while living with us.

 With her love of winter and summer outdoor adventures, it seems like Maria was destined to study abroad in Utah. She is excited to see local sites, participate in community events, hopefully go see the Utah Jazz, and (if COVID calms down), eventually participate in many dances at Syracuse High School!

 Maria’s family has paid her required fees and worked hard to receive all of the necessary permissions to come to the US amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we recently learned that the funding that was previously provided by the State of Utah to offset costs for local schools has been eliminated! As such, in order to enroll her at Syracuse High School, she will be required to pay enrollment fees of $8,500—something that previous participants in the exchange program have not had to pay.  

 We are having a tough time thinking that Maria won’t be able to meet and stay with her new “American Family” during the next year, and we have committed to raise the funds necessary to get her enrolled at Syracuse High. We are hoping that with the help of some of our friends and family, we can collectively ensure a life changing experience right here in the place we love to call home: Utah.

 Your contribution*---large or small---would go a long way in showing someone on the other side of the world just how special a place we live in, and also be a testament to our community resiliency in this unique time.

 We are excited for you to meet Maria in August!

 *Donated funds are strictly for the enrollment fees at Syracuse High School. All other expenses for this experience are paid for by the student and/or the host family.