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CIEE Community Impact Initiative

BridgeUSA

 

Through the CIEE Community Impact Initiative, BridgeUSA participants and partners build bridges through meaningful projects that help communities across the United States.

12,720

Average community service hours completed by BridgeUSA High School participants each year.

2,500

U.S. communities impacted by CIEE BridgeUSA programs each year.

30,000

CIEE BridgeUSA participants connecting cultures across America annually

CIEE helps exchange participants from more than 140 countries give back to communities across America. We also share the importance of building bridges through service to others with our host families, host partners, and agents.

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Young Civic Leadership Summit (YCLS)

The Young Civic Leadership Summit (YCLS) brings together selected Summer Work Travel participants from around the world to develop leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a commitment to civic engagement.

Through hands-on service projects, fellows work alongside local communities to address needs such as food security, youth education, environmental stewardship, and community revitalization. Learn more.

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One World Café™

One World Café™ is a network of community hubs in key BridgeUSA destinations where participants, employers, host families, and local partners come together for connection, support, and community.

Through cultural events and practical resources, One World Café fosters belonging while helping participants succeed. It also serves as a local workforce exchange through One World Crossroads, connecting participants with additional job opportunities and helping employers meet seasonal staffing needs. Learn more.

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High School Community Engagement

CIEE BridgeUSA High School students engage in community projects and events as a core part of their exchange experience. 

This experience encourages students to build meaningful local connections, deepen cultural understanding, and contribute positively to their host communities.

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International Exchange Conference (IEC)

As the premier gathering of the global exchange community, CIEE’s annual International Exchange Conference (IEC) brings together leaders to connect, collaborate, and advance the impact of international exchange.

Beginning In 2026, community service became an intentional part of the conference experience, giving attendees the opportunity to support the host city while demonstrating the broader social value of exchange. Learn more.

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Host Family Summit & Advisory Council

The Host Family Summit & Advisory Council brings experienced host families together to strengthen the hosting experience and guide best practices for family support and retention across the BridgeUSA community.  

Through shared learning at the yearly summit and year-round collaboration, Advisory Council members help shape resources, strengthen support systems, and create welcoming environments where students, families, and communities can grow together.

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BridgeUSA Celebration Tour

The CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour is a nationwide, three-year initiative highlighting the impact of exchange in communities across the United States. 

Roundtable discussions have brought together community leaders, employers, host families, participants, and local partners to share perspectives and strengthen connections. These events celebrate the people and communities that make exchange a force for prosperity. Learn more.

CIEE Community Impact Live

Follow CIEE on social media to see how we harness the power of community service to build enduring personal connections that strengthen global understanding and advance peace. 

 

 
Community Impact Initiative
From CIEE

CIEE Community Impact Initiative - October Update

By Communications at CIEE

The CIEE Community Impact Initiative is a company-wide commitment to provide opportunities for students and staff to engage with their international neighbors through community service in every CIEE program. Since... keep reading

A group of students and volunteers and CIEE staff stand together and smile in Merida, Mexico
From CIEE

Good Neighbor Programs Bring CIEE’s Mission to Life in Mérida

By Communications at CIEE

As part of the CIEE Community Impact Initiative, CIEE launched two new High School Summer Study Abroad programs: Good Neighbor Kitchen and Good Neighbor PlayLab. These ten-day study abroad experiences... keep reading

2026 Young Civic Leadership Summit
From CIEE

Highlights of the Young Civic Leadership Summit

By Communications at CIEE

Last week in Wisconsin Dells, CIEE hosted the Young Civic Leadership Summit, bringing together 50 extraordinary young changemakers hailing from 26 countries who have spent the summer supporting the staffing... keep reading

BridgeUSA

Making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous

Created by Congress in 1961, BridgeUSA builds bridges between nations by bringing more than 300,000 young leaders each year to live, work, and learn in the United States through transformational cultural and professional exchanges. As the largest and longest-serving BridgeUSA sponsor, CIEE helps make these experiences possible – welcoming over 30,000 participants annually who strengthen American businesses, enrich communities, and share their cultures and ideas, making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. 

Learn more about BridgeUSA