How to Become a New Bridge Fellow?
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.
Requirements
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 Processes
An important part of the program is the close collaboration with a broad partner network of institutions and individuals on both sides of the Atlantic. Some of these partners are listed below. The network supports the program by nominating suitable candidates who can then apply directly with a letter of motivation and the submission of a résumé. The fellows are then chosen in a selection process. Alumni of the program also have the right to nominate candidates. Otherwise interested individuals have the opportunity to apply directly to the program.
This year’s program is scheduled to take place from from May 28 to June 7. It starts in Washington, D.C. and will bring ten selected fellows to Brussels, Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder).
The application portal for New Bridge to Germany | Class of 2026 is now open and will be available until March 1.
Information about New Bridge to the US can be found on our German website.
Partner Organizations in the USA
Partner Organizations in Germany
