Strengthening and Expanding the U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA Programs
Our Mission
The mission of the Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership (CAPDL) is to strengthen and expand the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA programs by:
• educating key constituents on the history and power of BridgeUSA programs to advance U.S. public diplomacy, economic prosperity, and national security, and
• cultivating a global network of supporters who promote best practices in BridgeUSA program delivery.
Created in 2020, CAPDL relaunched in 2025 with a focus on education, best practices sharing, and storytelling. CAPDL welcomes members from all parts of the BridgeUSA community: agents, alumni, sponsors, hosts, schools, camps, chambers of commerce, community members, and allies.
Learn more about joining CAPDL on the Join Us page.
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CAPDL creates tools and resources to help members and the public understand BridgeUSA programs. We seek to explain its impact on participants and the U.S., as well as how different audiences can engage with the BridgeUSA community.
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Our community is stronger when we work together and learn from each other. CAPDL cultivates a global network of members who strive for ever-growing excellence, so as to best serve participants and benefit the United States. Members share best practices during events, via Working Groups, and through CAPDL resources.
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~ 300,000
PARTICIPANTS COME TO THE U.S.
EACH YEAR
1,450+
STATE DEPARTMENT DESIGNATED BRIDGEUSA SPONSORS
~ 6,000
U.S. EMPLOYERS, CAMPS, FAMILIES, & INSTITUTIONS TO HOST THEM
What is BridgeUSA?
Since 1961, the U.S. Department of State’s Private Sector J-1 Visa Programs – collectively known as BridgeUSA programs – have built interpersonal connections between Americans and participants from around the world.
According to the Department of State, they “annually attract around 300,000 individuals to the United States from 200 countries and territories to study in U.S. high schools, universities, and research institutions; build professional networks; enhance English language and intercultural skills; and teach in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities.”
More than 4.4 million people have traveled to the United States on BridgeUSA programs since their creation in 1961.
