BridgeUSA Work/Travel Students Contributed $25b to Economy Since 2016 – CEO

Jamaican students participating in the BridgeUSA work and travel programme have contributed over $25 billion to the Jamaican economy over the last eight years.

That’s according to chief executive officer, CEO, of JOYST Youth Exchange International Limited, Charmaine Hutchinson.

She says the programme is about more than earning money for tuition.

Charmaine Hutchinson, CEO of JOYST Youth Exchange lnternational Limited.

Approximately 42,268 tertiary-level students have participated in the BridgeUSA J-1 Work and Travel Programme since 2016.

A significant portion of the funds earned is used to offset students’ expenses related to the completion of their tertiary-level education.

Ms Hutchinson is urging government and private agencies to support work and travel organisations in Jamaica.

She notes that it would be an investment to change the course of life for many young people who cannot afford to do so under current circumstances.