Trio Cultural Exchange Program

History

The Trio Exchange Program was established in 1964 at the request of the Mayor Wade and the City Council of Long Beach.  The Port of Long Beach accepted the financial sponsorship and the program received approval of the Mayor and City Council of Yokkaichi. Since the founding of the program, the Long Beach Unified School District has supported the program with teacher and student candidates for selection as “Goodwill Ambassadors”.

The purpose of the program is to allow two students and one teacher from the Long Beach and Yokkaichi schools to visit the reciprocal sister city on alternate years and share their culture, knowledge and experiences with their fellow students and teachers.  Typically, one male and one female student are selected.  Each trio member will spend about 10 days with one family and the final 10 days with another family.

The very first group of Long Beach Ambassadors was sent to Yokkaichi in 1966.  Upon their return they presented educational programs about their experiences to more than 6,500 students in the Long Beach schools.

2024 Long Beach Trio Ambassadors

Teacher Glynis Badgett and high school students Kylie Mack and Cameron Nichol were selected as the 2024 Trio to serve as goodwill ambassadors to Yokkaichi, Japan.

The trio left in July and spent 2-1/2 weeks with host families experiencing Japanese culture, arts, and traditions.

Trio with Yokkaichi Mayor Tomohiro Mori (blue suit).