social

American Exchange Project: Experiential Civics in Action (SXSW)

4.8

Discover the inspiring American Exchange Project: a free domestic exchange program that sends high school students from diverse U.S. towns on week-long adventures to experience life in culturally different communities. Picture line-dancing Texas photographers, aspiring L.A. chefs, and book-loving explorers watching the sunset together—building bridges of empathy and understanding across America!

In this official solo talk, David McCullough III, co-founder and CEO, shares how these immersive exchanges act as the ultimate interactive civics lesson. Inspired by his own 7,100-mile road trip across states like Texas and South Dakota, AEP fosters hometown pride, reduces prejudice, and combats polarization through real-life connections.

Hosted at The Westin Austin Downtown's Paramount III room, it's a spotlight on K-12 education in the Culture track—perfect for anyone passionate about youth empowerment and a more united nation. Dive into stories of lasting friendships, shared adventures, and why domestic travel could become as iconic as prom for American teens!

Nonprofit founded in 2018, serving 1,500+ students across 40 states.
No cost, open to all—a public good promoting conversational skills and heart-to-heart bonds.
Backed by visionaries tackling America's divides with optimism and action.

The Venue

Stella San Jac is a beloved Southern-style restaurant located on the ground floor of The Westin Austin Downtown at 310 East Fifth Street in the heart of downtown Austin. Known for their distinctive dining experience combining modern Southern cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, they've been serving bold Southern flavors to Austin locals and visitors for nearly ten years.

The restaurant offers an eclectic Austin-American menu featuring locally inspired cuisine and seasonal Southern favorites. Their signature items include warm biscuits paired with whipped honey butter and crab hushpuppies. The menu showcases a variety of options from fried avocado salads and kale & brussels to heartier fare like pan-seared chicken with charred corn grits, Atlantic salmon, herb marinated halibut, and Berkshire pork chop.

Stella San Jac features an open kitchen, outdoor seating, and a bar and lounge that hosts local musicians weekly. They're open daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm (11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays), making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks. The restaurant has earned a Travelers' Choice award and is ranked highly among Austin restaurants.

In exciting news, after a decade of service, Stella San Jac has announced they will be closing on June 27, 2025, with plans to transform into Skipjack Oyster later in the fall. They're celebrating their tenure with a special Farewell Feast menu featuring fan-favorites from the past decade.

Whether you're looking for one of the best happy hours in downtown Austin, a weekend brunch spot, or a venue for private events, Stella San Jac offers exceptional Southern food.