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3/11/2026
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Stewart legislation would establish a cultural exchange program in Rhode Island
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STATE HOUSE — With divisions and polarizations pervading every aspect of American life, Rep. Jennifer A. Stewart has introduced legislation that would connect Rhode Island teens with people of different cultures and viewpoints from around the country to foster understanding and lay the groundwork in addressing persistent problems such as poverty and access to health care.
The bill (2026-H 7330) would direct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program. It would also prescribe the requirements of the program and establish a fund to support the program, which would be maintained philanthropically, rather than diverting money from other educational programs.
“Cultural exchange programs are the very best ways to expose students to the diversity of the country,” said Representative Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket). “It opens their eyes to different cultures, different ways of life and different socioeconomic conditions. In learning more about people from a variety of places, backgrounds and experiences, it allows them to broaden their thought processes and look at our world through the eyes of others. This broadness of understanding has a chain reaction on society, allowing us to embrace our differences and appreciate the experiences of those around us.”
Under the terms of the bill, the program could be operated under a contract between the Department of Education and a public or private entity that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for Rhode Island students.
David McCullough III, the CEO and cofounder of the American Exchange Project, testified in favor of the bill, telling the House Education Committee, “Programs that intentionally bring together young people from different backgrounds and geographic regions dismantle stereotypes and biases, strengthen interpersonal skills, and promote thoughtful dialogue about the issues facing communities across the country. These skills are increasingly essential to prepare the next generation for leadership and to be engaged citizens.”
Under the legislation, the program would enable students in grade 12 to register to travel to a location in another state to stay with a host family there for a week of experiences that allow students to explore similarities and differences in the political, socioeconomic and cultural features of their place of residence and the location of the exchange.
The first year of the program would begin Aug. 1, 2027. The targeted goal of participation would be at least five schools within the first year of the program, and up to 10 schools in the second year. The program fund would be established by the state treasurer. The Department of Education would be allowed to solicit and accept gifts, grants and donations from public and private sources including charitable foundations and grantmaking foundations.
Dr. Robert D. Putnam, the author of “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community,” also testified in favor of the bill, telling the committee, “I can't think of a more important lesson for American students on the cusp of adulthood to learn deeply, and I applaud and heartily endorse the Rhode Island legislature for introducing a bill that would make this experience a reality for many of its students in the next few years and, perhaps one day, every young Rhode Islander.”
The American Exchange Project shared with the committee testimonials from 33 program alumni and host families who shared how impactful and transformative the immersive cross-cultural domestic exchanges can be.
Companion legislation (2026-S 2651) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Samuel D. Zurier (D-Dist. 3, Providence).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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