CIEE Spotlights BridgeUSA's Role in Wisconsin Dells Tourism Workforce — CIEE, Inc.

Event summary

CIEE visited Wisconsin Dells on August 12, 2026 as part of its nationwide BridgeUSA Celebration Tour.
Wisconsin Dells relies on 10,000 seasonal workers to support over five million annual visitors.
BridgeUSA programs provide critical workforce support for the tourism industry during peak seasons.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted BridgeUSA's contributions to U.S. economic prosperity and international relations.

The big picture

CIEE's tour highlights the strategic importance of international exchange programs in supporting critical seasonal workforce needs. The BridgeUSA program not only fills labor gaps but also contributes billions to the U.S. economy while fostering global understanding. This aligns with broader trends in workforce development and international relations, where such programs are increasingly seen as vital to both economic prosperity and diplomatic engagement.

What we're watching

Program Expansion: Whether CIEE can sustain the pace of its BridgeUSA Celebration Tour across multiple U.S. destinations.
Economic Impact: How the extension of tourism seasons by up to 50 days will affect local economies in resort communities.
Policy Alignment: The degree to which BridgeUSA aligns with Secretary Rubio's foreign policy goals of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.