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The Exchange
Schools are where identity is shaped, across borders, states, and generations.
For military-connected and globally mobile students, school is not only a learning environment, it is the place where belonging is rebuilt, again and again.
The Purple Star & DoDEA Exchange ensures that belonging travels with them.
Belonging should not reset every time a student moves.
What The Exchange Is
The Purple Star & DoDEA Exchange is a collaborative network of public schools, Purple Star campuses, DoDEA schools (CONUS & OCONUS), district leaders, and military youth program teams who work together to:
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Strengthen student belonging during transitions
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Share practices that support identity & continuity
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Recognize caregiving as leadership
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Build a global community of youth who carry legacy forward
This is not a training. This is community memory in motion.
Who Participates
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Purple Star Schools (State-Recognized)
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DoDEA Schools Around the World
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Public Schools Serving Military-Connected Youth
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School Counselors & Transition Coordinators
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Youth Center & Teen Program Leads
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Educators, Coaches, SEL Leads, SLOs, & Principals
All are welcome, whether your military-connected student population is large or only one.
The Partnership Match Program
Two Schools. One Shared Identity Story.
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Each participating school may be paired with another campus that shares:
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Student movement patterns
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Deployment / reintegration timelines
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Cultural or linguistic connection
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Global / international background
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Family service history
What Partners Schools Do
Shared Exchange
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Student-to-student meetups (virtual)Continuity of friendship & identity
Purpose
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Continuity of friendship & identity
Shared Exchange
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Story & cultural expression swap
Purpose
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Affirm shared heritage + difference
Shared Exchange
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Staff reflection circle (1–2 times/year)
Purpose
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Support educator belonging practices
Shared Exchange
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Caregiving recognition alignment
Purpose
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Normalize Turn Care Into Credit (TCCSH)
Shared Exchange
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Shared artifact project
Purpose
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Legacy object connecting campuses
Overseas ↔ U.S. stateside partner matching available.
What Schools Take Home
Every participating school receives a School Belonging Activation Kit, including:
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“First Week / First Month” transition welcome model
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Identity & cultural storytelling reflection exercises
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Youth Caregiving Recognition Language (TCCSH)
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Classroom community belonging protocols
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Post-Expo & post-transition discussion guide
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Printable belonging signage for campus spaces
Belonging is not a program. It is a culture we build on purpose.
Recognition & Legacy
Participating schools receive:
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Purple Star & DoDEA Partnership Certificate
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Campus Partnership Seal for display
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Public recognition at:
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The Promise of the Six Youth Summit
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The America’s Torchbearers Showcase
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The official MCWE website
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How To Join
Step 1 — Submit Partnership Interest Form
Step 2 — Identify Your Youth Delegates
Step 3 — Begin Exchange Orientation (Virtual)
Step 4 — Meet Your Partner School