CIEE Celebrates BridgeUSA Champions in Ocean City, Maryland
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This week, CIEE travelled to Ocean City, Maryland, for the twelfth stop on its nationwide BridgeUSA Celebration Tour, recognizing the communities, employers, and leaders who make the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA international exchange programs a success.
During a special roundtable event in Ocean City, CIEE was joined by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Private Sector Exchange Director, Karen Ward, and Program Analyst, Carrie Linch, as well as Ocean City’s Mayor, Rick Meehan. In addition, other local community leaders and advocates, local businesses; and international participants joined us to celebrate the impact of cultural exchange and honor those who exemplify the values of BridgeUSA.
The event highlights the vital role BridgeUSA participants play in supporting local businesses, strengthening communities, and building international understanding.
Ocean City is known for its beaches, boardwalks, and famous Thrasher french fries and is home to over 3,200 BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants.
These participants help local restaurants, hotels, and entertainment attractions expand their tourist season, while gaining valuable training and professional development, making the region a standout example of how cultural exchange contributes to local economic success and global engagement.
Awards for Advocacy in Support of BridgeUSA
The 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Awards for Advocacy and Public Diplomacy in Support of BridgeUSA recognizing people and organizations that champion the value of international exchange and help build greater understanding of BridgeUSA’s impact on local communities. Through their advocacy, leadership, and engagement, these leaders and organizations help strengthen support for cultural exchange and advance the people-to-people connections at the heart of public diplomacy.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Advocacy and Public Diplomacy in Support of BridgeUSA was presented to Mayor Rick Meehan in recognition of his leadership in advocating for international exchange and demonstrating the positive impact of BridgeUSA in Ocean City.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Advocacy and Public Diplomacy in Support of BridgeUSA was also presented to Congressman Andy Harris in recognition of his leadership in advocating for international exchange and demonstrating the positive impact of BridgeUSA. The Award was accepted by Shawn Jester, Congressman Harris’ Constituent Liaison.
Awards for Community Leadership
Two attendees were recognized for helping international BridgeUSA participants become an integral part of the Ocean City Community, connecting international visitors with local businesses, residents, and community events to create meaningful cultural exchanges that extend far beyond the workplace.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Community Excellence in Promoting International Exchange was presented to Carrie Linch, Program Analyst in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in recognition of her commitment to welcoming international participants through the local Community Support Group (CSG) she helped create and showcasing the best of Ocean City.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Community Excellence in Promoting International Exchange was presented to the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. Amy Thompson, President and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the Chamber.
Award for Organizational Excellence
The 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Organizational Excellence recognizes employers that demonstrate exceptional leadership, partnership, and commitment to providing meaningful work opportunities and cultural exchange experiences for international participants. Each organization was recognized for creating supportive environments where BridgeUSA participants can develop professionally while experiencing American culture firsthand.
The 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Organizational Excellence was presented to Harrison Group in recognition of its commitment to embrace the values of BridgeUSA and set a standard for excellence in participant support, program administration, and cultural exchange. Jessica Glos, Operations Assistant and Katelyn Stevenson, HR Administrative Assistant, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Award for Hospitality Excellence
The 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Hospitality Excellence Award honors employers who go above and beyond to ensure BridgeUSA participants feel welcomed, supported, and valued throughout their exchange experience.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Hospitality Excellence Award was presented to Jolly Roger Amusement Parks in recognition of its outstanding commitment to ensuring BridgeUSA participants have an enriching experience on their program. Suzanne Jackson, Manager, and Daniela Pericun, a BridgeUSA participant from Moldova, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
When the BridgeUSA Celebration Tour resumes in 2027, CIEE will continue celebrating the employers, community leaders, and advocates who make the life-changing BridgeUSA exchange program possible and who help advance the mission of creating a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through cultural exchange.