GREENHEART COMMUNITY
Greenheart is committed to communicating the benefits of cultural exchange to everyday Americans and to our representatives on Capitol Hill
We’ve seen firsthand how cultural exchange enables personal and professional growth, not only for exchange participants themselves but also for their hosts and colleagues. We know that the cross-cultural skills, lasting friendships, and professional collaborations that develop through cultural exchange empower us as individuals and build a strong foundation for peace.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE MAKES US STRONGER
We want more Americans to understand how exchange programs help us all.
Cultural Exchange programs bring international students, interns, trainees, and teachers to the United States and foster mutual understanding, support, and American national security. These programs contribute significantly to the success of American students and professionals
Greenheart’s Commitment to Advocacy in 2026
Greenheart continues to work closely with our membership association, the Alliance for International Exchange, to encourage bipartisan support for BridgeUSA programs and to ensure policymakers understand the economic, diplomatic, and community benefits of cultural exchange. As we move into 2026, we are engaging proactively with the new administration and Congress, particularly newly elected members who may be unfamiliar with J‑1 programs, to provide clear, accurate information and build long-term champions for international exchange.
Together with the Alliance, we are supporting efforts to strengthen the field’s position in an increasingly complex political landscape. This includes sharing results from new impact research on BridgeUSA programs, participating in coordinated advocacy campaigns, and mobilizing stakeholders when rapid action is needed. We continue to encourage all American partners to join Americans for Cultural Exchange, amplifying a unified national voice. Throughout 2026, we will keep our stakeholders informed through regular updates and timely communications as the policy environment evolves.
Here are a few ways to stay in abreast of the issues in our industry
- Read more about current federal updates and how they are applicable to our industry
- How Greenheart is involved in Advocacy Efforts
- Latest news out of Washington D.C.
- Join Americans for Cultural Exchange!
OUR MISSION
Learn more about advocating for cultural exchange
This BridgeUSA programmatic report highlights the collective and program-level economic, public diplomacy, and cultural impacts of five key BridgeUSA programs on the U.S.
Breakdown by state of exchange visitors in each state.
The Alliance’s international educational and cultural exchange policy priorities one-pager for the Trump Administration.
Shares important statistical impact on American communities who no longer had participants due to the pandemic.
A third party, research agency gathered robust information on the impact of the SWT program and how it is achieving program goals.
A third party, research agency gathered robust information on the impact of the Intern & Trainee programs and how they are achieving program goals.
Breakdown of number of participants per category in each state.
U.S. citizens can always ask their Members of Congress to support the State Department’s educational and cultural exchange programs.