Programs
New Bridge Program
The New Bridge Program is a fully funded transatlantic fellowship program for young professionals and emerging leaders from Germany and the United States whose perspectives have so far been underrepresented in German-American forums.
Transatlantic relations, particularly between Germany and the United States, are widely regarded as robust and based on mutual trust. This partnership rests on a long shared history and a foundation of common values. However, many existing German-American networks are based on structures that are no longer representative of today’s societies. They do not adequately reflect younger, emerging generations or the diversity of both countries. There is therefore a need for initiatives that give underrepresented groups a stronger voice in the transatlantic dialogue. This is not only a matter of social justice, but also essential to revitalizing and broadening transatlantic exchange.
Against this backdrop, the New Bridge Program was established to reflect the diversity of society, address underrepresentation, and enrich German-American relations through a wide range of perspectives. It explicitly targets marginalized individuals, with the aim of renewing and making the transatlantic dialogue more accessible.
During ten-day study trips to the respective partner country, New Bridge gives young professionals and emerging leaders from the United States and Germany the opportunity to explore transatlantic relations and engage in the dialogue over the long term.
New Bridge to Germany has brought Fellows from the United States to Germany since 2021. New Bridge to the U.S. has brought Fellows from Germany to the United States since 2023.
Recent Articles
09.09.2026
New Bridge to the US: Class of 2026
We are happy to introduce our next New Bridge to the US cohort.
Learn more
19.08.2026
Beyond Burden-Sharing: The Urgency of Transatlantic Readiness
Our New Bridge to Germany alumnus Neal VanMarter reflects on European defense readiness.
Learn more
13.07.2026
“Multicultural Germany is not a proposal”
Anas El Yousfi reflects on Germany as a multicultural society and the gap between this lived reality and political debates surrounding migration and integration.
Learn more
Program Details:
Requirements for the New Bridge Program
The program is open to young professionals from all fields to ensure an interdisciplinary exchange. A particular focus is placed on individuals who have no or limited experience with the USA or Germany and Europe, respectively, and whose perspectives are not represented in German-American dialogue. This includes Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrant communities, people who belong to religious minorities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people from rural areas, and those who are marginalized in other ways.
Applicants from Germany are welcome to apply to the program New Bridge to the U.S. Individuals from the United States are eligible to apply to the program New Bridge to Germany.
To participate in the program, the following qualifications are required:
- Age between 25 and 35 years
- Conversational English skills
- Professional, academic, personal, or other achievements
- Openness to new experiences, interest in international relations, and willingness to
actively and sustainably participate in transatlantic discourse
Additional criteria to participate in New Bridge to the U.S.:
- Residence in Germany
- Eligible to enter the United States
- Little to no prior experience in the United States
Additional criteria to participate in New Bridge to Germany:
- Residence in the USA
- Eligible to enter Germany and Belgium
- Little to no prior experience in Europe
Nomination and Application Process
An important part of our program is our close collaboration with a broad network of partner institutions and individuals on both sides of the Atlantic. Some of our partners are listed below.
Our network supports us by nominating suitable candidates, who can then apply directly and are subsequently selected through a competitive selection process. Applicants are required to submit a compelling letter of motivation and a CV. Program alumni also have the right to nominate candidates.
Interested individuals also have the opportunity to apply directly.
The application period for New Bridge to the US and New Bridge to Germany is currently closed. The next application period will open in 2027.
Costs and Funding
New Bridge is a fully funded fellowship. That means that for the ten day trip to Germany/ the US respectively, travel, accommodation and meals will be provided free of charge to our fellows. 
New Bridge to the U.S. is funded by the Joachim Herz Foundation. New Bridge to Germany is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany’s Transatlantic Program, funded through the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), as well as by the Joachim Herz Foundation.
Entry into the United States
Program Structure
Alumni Network
After completing the program, our Fellows become part of the German-American alumni network, which provides opportunities for long-term engagement in the transatlantic community and within the Atlantik-Brücke network.
Alumni Conference:
An annual fully funded alumni conference helps maintain long-term engagement with the program, strengthen connections among alumni, and provide further insights into transatlantic issues. Virtual events and activities throughout the year also support sustainable networking structures. In addition to digital events, alumni are involved in Atlantik-Brücke’s regular activities, for example as participants in our events, speakers at our events, or contributors to our publications.
Nomination Rights for New Bridge Fellows:
Alumni are also actively involved in the ongoing work of the New Bridge Program, allowing them to use their experience and expertise to positively shape the program for future cohorts. Upon completing the program, all alumni receive the right to nominate new candidates, enabling them to have a lasting impact on the composition of the transatlantic community and create new connections within their own communities. Alumni also support the selection committee throughout the application and selection process, as well as in onboarding new Fellows.
Alumni Council:
At the initiative of New Bridge alumni, an Alumni Council was established in 2022. The council’s mission is to strengthen the community and connections among New Bridge Fellows, deepen ties with Atlantik-Brücke, and foster transatlantic partnerships. To achieve these goals, three committees were established, focusing on communications, professional development, and networking, and have already initiated a range of projects. These include the “Buddy Program,” which connects alumni with new Fellows and provides them with a designated “Buddy” who supports them with questions before, during, and after their trip. Learn more about the Alumni Council’s work on Instagram.
Program Management and Contact Information