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Jose Andres Rocha, a student at Quimby Oaks Middle School in San Jose, has been accepted into the People to People Student Ambassador Program, an educational travel program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Jose Andres Rocha will explore Europe for 20 days in summer 2010 as a member of the Central Valley (Stockton/Modesto) delegation. By participating in the European Odyssey itinerary, Jose Andres Rocha can earn academic credit while getting to know the people, culture and history of the places visited. He will take part in a variety of activities such as meetings with government officials and monks, interaction with other students his age, educational activities, and home stays with host families. Acceptance into the Student Ambassador Program is an honor. After being invited to enroll, Jose Andres Rocha submitted letters of recommendation and successfully completed an interview process. Before departing he will attend several orientation meetings with program leaders and fellow delegates to learn about the destination and prepare for the journey. Jose Andres Rocha will travel under the leadership of Vicki Harmon, a teacher-leader. The delegation also is lead by two other teachers, Erin Parks and Kristi Farrell. The group will be met upon arrival by a local delegation manager who coordinates the cultural and recreation excursions and is familiar with local customs. President Eisenhower founded People to People during his presidency in 1956 with citizen leaders including entertainer Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, amusement entrepreneur Walt Disney and Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall. Having served as a military commander, Eisenhower believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could make a difference where governments could not. People to People Student Ambassador Program is based in Spokane, Washington, and has been coordinating educational Travel for over 50 years.