Exchange’s Program of Service
Exchange’s Program of Service is divided into the categories of Americanism, Community Service, Youth Programs and our national project, Child Abuse Prevention.
Americanism: Exchange Clubs work to promote pride in country, respect for the flag and other American symbols, appreciation of our freedoms and the costs of those freedoms. Exchange has taken on the responsibility of passing this knowledge to America’s next generation through its Americanism programs. These include: The Freedom Shrine, One Nation Under God, Get Out The Vote, Proudly We Hail and GiveAKidAFlagToWave, Adopt-a-Unit/Family.
Community Service: Community Service is the lifeline of Exchange. Exchange Clubs across the country spend countless hours and dollars improving their communities each year. All of these activities share a common goal of serving and promoting our communities. These programs include: Crime Prevention, Fire Prevention, The Book of Golden Deeds Award, Service to Seniors and Law Enforcement/Firefighter Recognition.
Child Abuse Prevention: The National Exchange Club develops and implements programs which seek to eliminate child abuse and strengthen families. These programs include: more than 100 Exchange Club Centers for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness, Time Out Teddy, Blue Ribbon Campaign, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness, Kidcode and CARS (Children Are Really Special).
University Exchange Club is a proud partner of the Raise Foundation, Orange Counties Official Child Abuse Prevention Council, and the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center.
Youth of the Year Award and A.C.E. Award
2006-2007 Youth Essay Theme: Lighting the Fire Within
Youth of the Year - Exchange's Youth of the Year program honors outstanding students who have exhibited excellence in academics and leadership. The National Youth of the Year Award is the culmination of an effort by hundreds of Exchange Clubs across the country to identify and recognize the young leaders of our nation.
The process begins at the club level, with a monthly recognition of outstanding youth in the communities where Exchange Clubs meet. At the end of the year, monthly honorees are reviewed and one is chosen to compete at the district level. The District Youth of the Year then competes with other district winners at the national level.
The National Youth of the Year receives a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to address Exchangites at the National Youth Recognition Luncheon. The recipient's winning essay is also featured in Exchange Today magazine.
A.C.E. of the Year - The A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award recognizes high school students who have overcome difficult times and obstacles, yet still managed to not only graduate from high school, but to excel. These students have overcome great physical, emotional, or social obstacles, yet few receive recognition.
The process begins at the club level, with a monthly recognition of determined youth in the communities where Exchange Clubs meet. At the end of the year, club winners are reviewed and one is chosen to compete at the district level. The District A.C.E. of the Year then competes with other district winners at the national level.
The National A.C.E. of the Year receives a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to address Exchangites at the National Youth Recognition Luncheon. The recipient's winning essay is also featured in Exchange Today magazine.