My stepbrother is raising money for a high-school program that seems like a wonderful opportunity. I was fortunate enough to participate in a similar program when I was in high school, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my youth. I hope that you can help him financially in this endeavor. Here is a letter from him explaining the program in more detail:

My name is Joshua Smith, and I am a 10th-grade student at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, NC. I was recently interviewed and accepted to participate as a member of the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Italy, Greece, and the island of Crete this summer. The program promotes international understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth. The 19-day experience includes meetings with government officials, interaction with other students my age, educational activities, and home stays with host families. People to People Student Ambassadors are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance, and I am honored to have been selected. Personally, I am looking forward to broadening my perspectives of the world and gaining a better understanding of Western European history. As an Ambassador, I can also earn high school and college credit because of the many educational elements in my program.

I am currently seeking financial sponsors to help me with tuition, and hope I can count on your support. In case you haven’t heard of People to People, please allow me to share some history with you. President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the organization in 1956. He believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries.

Since its founding, People to People has launched many international programs, including Sister Cities and Project HOPE. The program tuition is $6,189.00, which includes all transportation, accommodations, meals, and educational activities. Is it possible for you to assist me by making a contribution? Any amount would be appreciated. Upon my return, I plan to share with contributors a PowerPoint slide presentation of the people and places I encountered during my trip. My program tuition must be paid in full on May 1, 2010. Please feel free to contact me at 910-323-3037 if you need more information, or you may also go to www/peopletopeople.com to learn more about this wonderful program. Your generous contribution would enable me to share in this wonderful opportunity, and I thank you in advance for your consideration and support.