Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA

Congratulations to the 2026 Recipients!

The CAPDL Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA helps individuals to finance their participation in any of the 13 BridgeUSA categories. Priority is given to participants who would otherwise be unable to afford some basic costs of participation.

On April 20, 2026, the Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership (CAPDL) was delighted to announce our 2026 Scholarship Recipients!

In its inaugural year, the Fund welcomed more than 430 applications from 30 countries and six BridgeUSA categories. Approximately 65% of the applicants will go on their first BridgeUSA program; and more than 52% have never been to the United States before for any reason. Applicants had to be connected to a CAPDL member sponsor or international recruiting agency. They represented 26 member and non-member Sponsors and 21 member and non-member International Recruiting Agencies. A small team of volunteer reviewers, drawn from across the CAPDL membership, read and scored each application. Their top candidates received scholarships.

The 2026 CAPDL Scholarship Fund recipients are:

  • Iulia Alexandru of Romania, Summer Work Travel Program

  • Victor Almenar Rayo of Spain, Summer Work Travel Program

  • Nana Ama Asabir of Ghana, Trainee Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Mert Ateş of Türkiye, Summer Work Travel Program

  • Bünyamin Çelik of Türkiye, Summer Work Travel Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Sofía Gómez Cano of Spain, Intern Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Nisanur Kocak of Türkiye, Summer Work Travel Program

  • Shaun Chung Liang Lim of Malaysia, Summer Work Travel Program

  • Tan Kacaker of Türkiye, Summer Work Travel Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Antonija Pechinska of North Macedonia, Summer Work Travel Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Teodora Roman of Romania, Summer Work Travel Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Arnur Sadybekov of Kazakhstan, Summer Work Travel Program

  • Ameilia Smith of Jamaica, Summer Work Travel Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

  • Shao Zhi Soong of Singapore, Intern Program (Cyril Taylor Scholar)

What Recipients are Saying

“Visiting the USA has been a dream of mine since I was little, but one that I never thought would come true because of my background and the lack of opportunities around me. However, with this opportunity, I will be able to authentically experience visiting, living and working in the States, allowing me to develop my mindset, make amazing memories and friendships that I am sure will last me a lifetime and finally, making my life-long dream come true. As a business student, I hope to also develop applicable skills to prepare me for my future.” – Teodora Roman from Romania

 “BridgeUSA provides a special platform to visit and - not only that - but also to live and work in this environment. I would like to test my flexibility by leaving my comfort zone to maneuver in a society that is unfamiliar to me. This program is the steppingstone that I require to change my identity as a student into that of a global minded professional who can survive in any environment.” - Shaun Chung Liang Lim from Malaysia

  • Applicants must be qualified participants who are approved for a BridgeUSA program with a CAPDL member agent OR sponsor in good standing. 

    “Qualified participants” are defined as those who have been screened and approved by an agent, but may not yet have their DS-2019 form, placement, or visa confirmed.

    “In good standing with CAPDL” means the agent or sponsor has renewed with or joined CAPDL. 

  • CAPDL will award each recipient US$3,000 to address common costs (such as but not limited to airfare, fees, insurance, and initial transportation). Participants receive the full amount regardless of their actual individual costs for expenses.

  • A small committee of CAPDL members decide who receives a scholarship based on a standard evaluation metric.  No CAPDL staff or Board members serve as reviewers.

  • CAPDL welcomes all parts of the BridgeUSA community around the world: alumni, agents, sponsors, hosts, schools, camps, families, chambers of commerce, community members, and other allies. Learn more about joining CAPDL on the Join Us page. 

  • Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA can do so via:

    • Credit Card: Contact CAPDL for the payment link. Processing fees may apply.

  • Contact CAPDL Executive Director Carmen Mezzera through the CAPDL contact us form.

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AIFS Donation Increases Access to BridgeUSA Programs

On October 1, 2025, CAPDL announced a generous gift of $25,000 to the CAPDL Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA from member the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS).

 “We are profoundly grateful to Bill Gertz and AIFS for their extraordinary support of our Scholarship Fund,” said CAPDL Board Chair Carye Duffin. “In a time marked by rising costs and deepening divides, the kind of meaningful, person-to-person engagement fostered by BridgeUSA is not just valuable — it’s essential. The establishment of the Cyril Taylor Scholars within the CAPDL Scholarship Fund is a transformative step forward, empowering us to extend these life-changing experiences to even more young leaders from around the world.”

 AIFS, founded in 1964, is an international exchange and cultural exchange organization which offers global programs for 40,000 students annually. “In these challenging times - program advocacy, sharing best practices, and storytelling are key components in our public diplomacy and cultural exchange initiative,” said Bill Gertz, Chairman of AIFS. “However, providing funds for motivated students and young adults to come to America is our top priority. AIFS is pleased donate $25,000 to this cause and work with CAPDL to provide BridgeUSA scholarships to economically challenged students and young adults around the world.”