The Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board, and Friends of Hiratsuka are making plans for next summer’s youth exchange with Hiratsuka, Japan.

Up to 20 students from Lawrence will be chosen to travel to Hiratsuka for about 10 days, from July 3 to 13. The students will live in a Japanese home, and the Japanese students will live in Lawrence homes when they make a reciprocal visit about two weeks after the Lawrence students return.

Costs for the exchange are estimated at $2,300 to $2,500, although it’s hoped this fee will be reduced in the next several months. Limited scholarship support will be available on a financial need basis.

Applications will be accepted from public or private school students in seventh through 12th grades. The deadline is Oct. 25.

An application form, and more information, can be found online here.

Information also can be obtained from trip coordinators, James and Cathy Hilliard, 841-8237, or Chilliar@usd497.org, or jacshill@sunflower.com.