Monterey/Nanao Cross Country Exchange Project
The Monterey–Nanao Cross Country Exchange Project is a student cross-country and cultural exchange between Monterey High School (California, USA) and Nanao High School (Ishikawa, Japan). In response to the ongoing recovery from the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, this project seeks to foster healing, friendship, and mutual understanding through sport, homestays, community service and shared cultural experiences. The program will support 28 students (14 from each country) and 4 coaches/chaperones, with a fundraising goal of $150,000 to ensure full access regardless of financial background, prioritizing equity and impact.
Background
Monterey and Nanao have shared a Sister City relationship since 1995. Both are coastal, historically rich cities shaped by fishing and tourism. The Japanese community has played a foundational role in Monterey’s cultural and economic history since the late 1800s.
Need: Responding to Crisis with Connection
On January 1, 2024, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, causing widespread damage to the city of Nanao. Many residents remain displaced more than two years later. As part of Monterey’s 30th anniversary celebration of the Sister City partnership with Nanao, this exchange aims to foster healing and cultural restoration through youth-led engagement.
Proposal: Cross Country Exchange Timeline
To strengthen international ties through shared sport and culture, the exchange will consist of two parts:
Japanese Delegation Visits Monterey
- Dates: August 13–20, 2026
- Participants: 14 students (7 girls, 7 boys) + 2 coaches
- Activities: Homestays with Monterey teammates, attendance at school, joint cross country practices, scrimmage meet with neighboring high schools, completion of a community service project through California State Parks Dept.
American Delegation Visits Nanao
- Dates: October 1–10, 2026 (during Monterey’s October Break)
- Participants: 14 Monterey students (7 girls, 7 boys) + 2 coaches
- Activities: School attendance, cross country practice, cultural exchange activities, potential participation in a simulated ekiden (Japan’s national relay race), completion of a community service project through the Nanao Aquarium, and a concluding visit to Tokyo
- Note: Homestays will be pursued but may be limited due to ongoing recovery in Nanao
Participant Selection & Equity
Students from Monterey will be selected based on academic standing, athletic commitment, character, and potential to benefit from the experience. Priority will be given to students who have never traveled to Japan. Gender balance will be maintained across delegations.
All expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, and program activities, will be fully covered by the project’s fundraising efforts, ensuring equal access for students regardless of background.
Intended Impact
- For Japanese students: Restoration of hope, new friendships, and a reprieve from disaster recovery
- For American students: A life-changing immersion in Japanese culture, language, and resilience
- For both: Lasting cross-cultural relationships built on mutual respect and shared athletic values
- For our communities: A reaffirmation of Sister City ties and the power of youth leadership in global healing
Project Leadership
MHS XCXChange Boosters, a non-profit organization, formed in partnership with the Monterey Unified School District
Point of Contact:
Peter Jordan, Head Cross Country Coach, Monterey High School
📞 (408) 309-9280
📧 runcoach@gmail.com
Mr. Jordan is a lifelong educator and coach, having taught high school French and Physical Education while leading cross country and track teams for decades. With his wife, a Japanese teacher, he has organized multiple international school exchanges. Together, they founded the Wasshoi Foundation, which provides travel grants for economically disadvantaged high school students studying Japanese. Mr. Jordan has led three Kakehashi Project groups and completed a six-week solo pilgrimage on the Shikoku 88 Temple Trail.
Our Sister City:
Nanao, Japan
Nanao, located in Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan's Honshu Island, is renowned for its rich history, traditional crafts like Wajima lacquerware, and scenic views of the Sea of Japan. The city offers a peaceful environment with its fishing ports, historic temples, and natural landscapes, attracting many visitors and residents alike. Following the 2024 earthquake, recovery efforts in Nanao have focused on restoring damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Local authorities and emergency services have been working diligently to assess the extent of the damage, provide aid to affected residents, and implement safety measures to prevent future casualties. Community-led initiatives, along with support from the national government, have also been crucial in recovery, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in this seismic-prone region.
Our Partners:
The ITO Foundation, USA
Big Sur Marathon Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
How to Apply
MHS XCXChange
Instructions for Completing the Application Process
The application deadline for the Monterey/Nanao Cross Country Exchange Project is May 4, 2026. All components of the application must be completed by that date.
Component 1. The Student Application (1 page):
Print this form. The form is completed by the student, but must be signed by the student’s parent. Students may scan the completed form and submit it as an attachment via email, as long as the signatures are present and the forms are clearly legible. Emails should be addressed to pjordan@mpusd.k12.ca.us.
Component 2. The Student Essay (1 page):
Please carefully read the description of the grant, and the criteria for the essay, before responding to the prompt. This form should be saved as a PDF and mailed as an attachment to pjordan@mpusd.k12.ca.us
Component 3. The Recommendation Form
The form may be completed by a teacher of any subject, or any adult in the school community. Completed recommendations must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for selection, so please give your recommenders plenty of time prior to the deadline. We ask that the adult send their recommendations directly to pjordan@mpusd.k12.ca.us.