For Rotary Exchange year 2018-2019, District 6650 has 13 students currently preparing to participate in the Outbound Youth Exchange Program.  It has been our policy not to deny a student this wonderful opportunity merely because he or she cannot afford the costs associated with the program.  Even though Rotary’s exchange student program is one of the most affordable, the cost is significant, averaging approximately $5,000 - $7,000 per student.
 
In order to financially assist some of the students accepted into the program, the Youth Exchange Committee established a scholarship fund in 2014.  Thanks to the generosity of many clubs, and individual Rotarians, we have been able to raise funds to assist our Outbound students in need.    We are again asking clubs and individual Rotarians to support the scholarship fund.  The scholarships have a significant impact on a student’s ability to participate in the program by removing some of the financial burdens associated with airfare, health insurance, and other fees.  All funds awarded are paid directly to the service providers after the prospective Outbound student successfully completes the training required to participate in the program. 
 
We cannot award these scholarships without the support of our clubs and individual Rotarians.  We ask that you again consider donating to this worthy cause.  Even if your club is not participating in YEP by sponsoring an Outbound or hosting an Inbound student, a donation to the scholarship fund is another great way to support YEP.  Donations may be made payable to District 6650 YEP and mailed to Bonnie Davis at 49682 McClure Road, East Palestine, Ohio 44413.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Wood at (330) 284-4779 or Aletha Carver at (330) 614-1367. 
 
Finally, a BIG THANK YOU to the following clubs for agreeing to host an Inbound student during the 2018-2019 exchange year.  We know finding host families can sometimes be a challenge so we, at YEP, truly appreciate your efforts in hosting these students.  The hosting clubs are:  Millersburg, Salem, Alliance, Wooster, Jackson Township, East Palestine, Boardman, North Canton, Canfield, Youngstown, Dover, Wooster (hosting two students), Champion, Louisville, Massillon, and Minerva.  Many of the clubs listed above are the same clubs that host overnighters for YEP.  We would also like to thank those clubs.  A lot of work goes into planning the overnighters for our Inbound students and again, YEP appreciates your efforts.
 
As you can see, it takes support from around District 6650 to ensure that these students have a memorable year in the United States.  Many thanks to all who help!