Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA

Apply by March 9, 2026!

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

As part of the CAPDL relaunch in 2025, CAPDL members around the world contributed to the CAPDL Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA. Notably, CAPDL member the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) made a generous gift of $25,000 to create Cyril Taylor Scholars within the Fund. Read more about their generosity below.

From February 2 – March 9, 2026, eligible applicants are invited to apply for the CAPDL Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA!

Apply here by March 9, 2026

  • 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 in 2026. 

  • 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.

  • Applications must be submitted in full through the application form by Midnight ET on March 9, 2026.

  • A small committee of CAPDL members will decide who receives a scholarship based on a standard evaluation metric.  

    We expect to complete the review process by the end of March 2026. Selected recipients will be contacted in early April. CAPDL regrets that we are not able to provide application status updates outside of these parameters. 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.”

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