About the Program

Background and Process

Transatlantic relations, especially those between Germany and the United States, are typically described as positive and robust. However, despite a shared history and common values, this relationship is increasingly questioned and faces new challenges.
One facet of this reality is that many German-American networks are outdated and stagnant. They do not adequately represent younger generations and the increasingly diverse societies of both countries, with whom traditional narratives no longer resonate. Comprehensive and innovative initiatives are needed to revitalize these networks and amplify the voices that have traditionally been underrepresented in transatlantic dialogue.

On this premise, Atlantik-Brücke established the New Bridge Program to enrich German-American relations through multifaceted perspectives, making transatlantic discourse more accessible to a broader part of the population.

The New Bridge Program offers American and German young professionals the opportunity to engage in a participatory, interdisciplinary and sustained exchange on transatlantic relations during 10-day study trips to each other’s countries. The trips begin with introductory meetings and activities in their own country (Berlin or Washington, D.C.) and then take participants across the Atlantic to experience the USA and Europe first-hand. In addition to Washington, D.C., participants in the New Bridge to the U.S. program travel to another location within the U.S. to better grasp the complexity of the country. Participants in the New Bridge to Germany program travel to Berlin as well as another German city and Brussels, gaining deeper insight into Germany’s role within Europe. Through meetings with political, business and academic decision-makers, as well as visits to public institutions, civil society organizations and companies, the program strengthens interest in German-American relations. It creates starting points for future cooperation and builds a new, resilient and contemporary transatlantic forum.

In order to provide the participants with sustainable access to transatlantic relations, the New Bridge Fellows are integrated into an active alumni network after their participation, which maintains the exchange through events and networking opportunities.

Our ten advisory board members from various sectors and from both sides of the Atlantic support us with their expertise in a wide range of areas.

• Sarah Anthony, State Representative (D-Lansing), Michigan Senate
• Joaquin Castro, Representative (D-San Antonio), U.S. Congress
• Pia Castro, Journalist, Deutsche Welle
• Nurten Erdogan, Chief Financial Officer, Member of the Management Board ING Germany
• Nina Hachigian, CEO, Alliance for Local Leaders International
• Janina Kugel, Non-Executive Board Member, Senior Advisor and Author
• Christine Mhundwa, Journalist, Deutsche Welle
• Boris Ruge, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, NATO
• Majid Sattar, Journalist, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
• Richard Verma, Chief Administrative Officer, Mastercard