CIEE's BridgeUSA Tour Highlights Economic and Diplomatic Impact of International Exchange Programs — CIEE, Inc.

Event summary

CIEE's BridgeUSA Celebration Tour made its twelfth stop in Ocean City, Maryland, on September 3, 2026.
The tour celebrates the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, which extends the tourism season by an average of 50 days and contributes billions to the U.S. economy annually.
CIEE Senior Leaders were joined by U.S. Department of State officials and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
The 2026 leg of the tour began at Park City and continued to Mackinac Island and Wisconsin Dells before ending in Ocean City.

The big picture

CIEE's BridgeUSA program serves as a critical public diplomacy tool, connecting future global leaders with American communities. The program not only fosters mutual understanding but also significantly boosts local economies by extending the tourism season. The nationwide tour highlights the strategic importance of international exchange programs in making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

What we're watching

Program Expansion: Whether CIEE can sustain the momentum of its BridgeUSA Celebration Tour and expand its reach to more communities in 2027.
Economic Impact: How the extension of the tourism season by 50 days will continue to affect local economies and employment.
Diplomatic Relations: The pace at which BridgeUSA fosters mutual understanding and strengthens international relationships through its exchange programs.