Over the past eight years, Jamaican tertiary students have infused an estimated JMD $25 billion (USD $158 million) into the local economy through the BridgeUSA J1 Work and Travel program. Established in the early 1980s by the Jamaica Organisation of Youth and Student Tourists (now JOYST Youth Exchange International Limited), this program has enabled 45,258 students to participate since 2016, providing them with invaluable international experience and financial support for their education [2d574507]. In 2023 alone, participants of the BridgeUSA program contributed USD $811.2 million to the U.S. economy, showcasing the program's significant impact on both Jamaican and American economies [2d574507]. Charmaine Hutchinson, CEO of JOYST, emphasized the transformative effects of the program, noting that it fosters maturity and responsibility among students [2d574507]. The continued support from both government and private sectors is deemed crucial for expanding access to these opportunities, ensuring that more students can benefit from such life-changing experiences [2d574507]. This initiative not only aids students financially but also encourages entrepreneurial ventures upon their return to Jamaica, further stimulating the local economy [2d574507].
