Born from a student trip that profoundly impacted its participants, the Foundation for Cultural Exchange (FCE) fosters deep, respectful connections between Grand Junction, Colorado, USA and El Espino, El Salvador. It began in 2004 when Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University) students, led by the late Professor David Harmon, experienced the incredible generosity and resilience of the El Espino community. Inspired, they successfully petitioned for El Espino to become Grand Junction's official sister city in 2005 and established FCE to nurture this unique bond.Since that first journey, FCE has cultivated lasting partnerships. Through annual cultural immersion trips, we facilitate understanding and solidarity. More crucially, support from donors like you fuels tangible change — empowering bright young minds through high school and university scholarships, funding community-driven development projects, caring for local animals through spay/neuter campaigns, and providing vital relief during crises.We believe in empowering the people of El Espino and Grand Junction to be the architects of their own future. Our work is guided by listening, collaborating with local leaders, and practicing service through humility. We actively reject paternalistic aid and "voluntourism," focusing instead on genuine partnership and sustainable development.Joining the FCE mission – whether through donation or participation – creates ripples of positive change. Sponsoring a student, for example, doesn't just transform their future; it profoundly enriches your own life through connection and shared humanity. Witness the power of education and partnership firsthand. Your contribution, big or small, directly empowers students and strengthens our vibrant communities.

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Delegations

The FCE leads yearly cultural immersion trips to El Salvador for people of all ages and walks of life. Participants stay with host families in the Sister City community and participate in a range of activities around the country. Activities may include peering into the crater of a volcano, touring an organic fair trade coffee cooperative, meeting with community leaders, visiting the site of the 1989 Jesuit massacre, touring the art workshop of El Salvador’s most famous artist, Fernando Llort, paying respects at Archbishop Oscar Romero’s house and tomb, eating lots of pupusas, spending time at the local school, participating in activities with our Sister City community and MUCH MORE! If you are interested in participating in our next delegation, please contact us for more information.

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