The article examines the importance of bridging the gap between America's collective cultural heritage and its citizens who speak a language other than English, and how this can be fostered and encouraged through foreign language and immersion programs, international education, and study abroad. Effectively addressing this disparity in order to build interest in international education among Americans is a priority for global citizens' ability to navigate our increasingly multilingual communities and to increase intercultural understanding both globally and locally. Action steps include increasing the number of foreign language and immersion programs, especially at the elementary and middle school levels, to develop the language skills and cultural knowledge that interest students in other cultures and which will empower learners as global citizens and local cultural ambassadors. Our heritage languages can play a significant role in creating interest in global connection, while strengthening communication and relationships within our increasingly multilingual local communities. It is concluded that, while the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the budgetary and enrollment challenges facing foreign language programs in the US, providing access to language learning, as well as developing career and other pathways fostering the authentic use of additional languages in the US workplace and in our society, is essential.