Altoona Hosts 25-Year Sister City Anniversary Visit

Austrian students and adults to stay with local families and attend area schools during two-week exchange program.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 1:14pm

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As part of the 25th anniversary of the Sister City partnership between the City of Altoona, Pennsylvania and the city of St. Poelten, Austria, a group of 25 students and five adults will be visiting Altoona today through April 1st. The students, ages 15 and 16, will stay with host families in both Altoona and Hollidaysburg, and will attend school at Altoona High, Hollidaysburg Jr. and Senior High Schools, and the Bishop Guilfoyle Academy.

Why it matters

The Sister City program aims to promote cultural understanding and create lasting connections between communities. This long-running exchange between Altoona and St. Poelten has facilitated educational and personal relationships over the past quarter-century.

The details

During their two-week visit, the Austrian students and adults will participate in a variety of activities to immerse themselves in the local culture, including visits to the Railroaders Museum, the Mishler Theatre, Horseshoe Curve, and Baker Mansion.

  • The group will arrive in Altoona today, March 24, 2026.
  • The visit will run through April 1, 2026.

The players

Matt Pacifico

The mayor of Altoona, Pennsylvania.

City of Altoona

The host city for the 25-year Sister City anniversary visit from St. Poelten, Austria.

City of St. Poelten

The Sister City partner of Altoona, Pennsylvania, celebrating 25 years of the exchange program.

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What they’re saying

“This is an important cultural and education exchange opportunity for the students in our area, and has created lifelong friendships over the years.”

— Matt Pacifico, Mayor

What’s next

The students and adults will return to Austria on April 1st, concluding the 25th anniversary visit.

The takeaway

The long-running Sister City partnership between Altoona and St. Poelten demonstrates the value of international cultural exchange programs in fostering global understanding and lasting connections between communities.