PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is a program of PAX Laurasian Exchange and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your interest in PAX and our programs. Since 1990, PAX has provided global education and exchange opportunities for students, host families, schools, and communities to open doors, embrace cultures, and become family. To date, nearly 25,000 students have completed a PAX high school exchange in America—transforming their ability to influence our world for the better, in the process.

We’ve always felt fortunate for all the PAX community gives to make our work possible. Community Coordinators give so much of themselves in their role working with PAX students. Schools selflessly open their doors to our international teens each year. Of course, hosts all over the United States give the ultimate gift—the gift of family. PAX students give as well; in fact, each year PAX students volunteer nearly 20,000 hours in their American host communities.

Perhaps that’s why over the course of our 30 years, we have not regularly asked the PAX community to give financially. That said, we have also come to appreciate that everyone can give in different ways. Some truly cannot support PAX in the ways our outstanding families and coordinators do—they may live in a cramped city apartment; their work schedule may not allow for hosting; they may not even live in the United States… Of course, there are those in the PAX community so inspiringly committed to our work, mission, and students that they wish to give in as many ways as possible.

And if we are going to progress toward our vision of a global community of people who are open minded and appreciate cultural differences, we need the help of the entire PAX community—in whatever manner they can give. For this reason, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for anyone to make a donation to PAX—if that’s how they are able to support our work. By following the below link, you can make a tax-deductible donation to PAX for as little or as much as you feel able. All it takes is a few clicks and a credit card. Once finished, you will receive a confirmation that PAX is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization together with a confirmation of the amount of your donation for use at tax time.

Wondering how PAX will use your donation? There are three particularly impactful ways, and the choice is yours.

1) Fund a PAX Means Peace Scholar. Since 2015, we have partnered with the Abaarso School in Somaliland. In a society in which there is 75% unemployment for those under 30 and less than half of all children go to school, our partner offers a previously unthinkable opportunity for hardworking local youth: a top-notch secondary education leading to opportunities for a university education, often in the United States. PAX Means Peace offers an important steppingstone to that future: a high school exchange year in America.

2) Help an American teen afford an exchange experience through PAX Abroad. At PAX, we are committed to giving back to the U.S. communities who host our international students, offering opportunities for American teens to also experience the many positive ways in which an exchange year can affect their future lives and careers. In order to make PAX Abroad as accessible as possible, all programs for U.S. teens are offered at cost. Even so, these programs are still out-of-reach for many families. Your donation can put an American teen’s dream back within reach.

3) Contribute to the overall health of the organization. While few would deny the importance of PAX Means Peace Scholars or PAX Abroad, maybe they aren’t the part of our work that lies closest to your heart. In that case, why not let PAX put the money toward the continued success of the organization and program most of you know and love: high school exchange students from all over the world attending a U.S. high school, living with a volunteer host family, and changing lives. By choosing this option, you’ll be putting your donation wherever it is most needed at this time.

Once again, however you are able to give, know that it is greatly appreciated—by our staff and students alike—and brings us closer to our vision of a global community of people who are open minded and appreciate cultural differences.

Thank you, and as always, remember—PAX Means Peace.

Bradley Smith
President & CEO