CIEE Celebrates BridgeUSA Champions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
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This week, CIEE travelled to Wisconsin Dells for the eleventh 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 Wisconsin Dells, CIEE was joined by Rebecca A. Pasini, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Rick A. Ruth, Former Senior Advisor, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State; local business leaders; community advocates; and international participants 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.
Wisconsin Dells is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World and is home to nearly 3,000 BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants this year.
These participants help local waterparks, world class resorts, 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.
Award for Advocacy in Support of BridgeUSA
The 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Advocacy and Public Diplomacy in Support of BridgeUSA recognizing 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 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 Office of Senator Ron Jonhson in recognition of its leadership in advocating for international exchange and demonstrating the positive impact of BridgeUSA. State Outreach Director Tawsif Anam accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Advocacy and Public Diplomacy in Support of BridgeUSA was presented to Office of Representative Glenn Grothman in recognition of its leadership in advocating for international exchange and demonstrating the positive impact of BridgeUSA. Cael Schoemann accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Awards for Community Leadership
Two organizations were recognized for helping international BridgeUSA participants become an integral part of the Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau in recognition of its commitment to welcoming international participants and showcasing the best of the region. Executive Director Tara Hensley accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Community Excellence in Promoting International Exchange was presented to International Residence Halls. President, Partner, and Co-Founder Dan Bullock, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
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.
A 2026 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for Organizational Excellence was presented to Wilderness Resort 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. Maggie Zeman, International Recruitment Manager 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 Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park in recognition of its outstanding commitment to ensuring BridgeUSA participants have an enriching experience on their program. Aaron Matteson, Director of Human Resources, and Tatum Nelson, Human Resources International Coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
As the BridgeUSA Celebration Tour continues across the country, CIEE will continue celebrating the employers, community leaders, and advocates who make these life-changing exchange programs possible and who help advance the mission of creating a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through cultural exchange.