About The New Bridge Program
Background and Details
Transatlantic relations, especially those between Germany and the United States, which are characterized by shared history and common values, are typically described as positive and robust. Many German-American networks and forums, however, are outdated and stagnant. They do not adequately represent the young, emerging generations and the diverse societies of both countries, with whom these traditional narratives no longer resonate. Comprehensive and innovative initiatives are thus needed that embrace diversity and amplify voices traditionally underrepresented in transatlantic dialogue. This is not only necessary from a social justice perspective but is also imperative to revitalize the exchange.
On this premise, Atlantik-Brücke created the New Bridge Program that seeks to reflect the diversity of society, balance underrepresentation, and enrich German-American relations through multifaceted perspectives in order to renew the transatlantic dialogue, ensuring it is more accessible.
The program offers American and German young professionals the opportunity to engage in a participatory, interdisciplinary, and sustained exchange about transatlantic relations during 10-day study tours to each other’s countries followed by alumni activities.
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 will travel to Berlin as well as Brussels to learn more about Germany’s role within Europe. Through meetings with political, business, and academic decision-makers, as well as visits to institutions, civil society organizations, and companies, the program strengthens interest in German-American relations; creates starting points for future cooperation; and builds a new, resilient, and contemporary transatlantic network.
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.
Costs and Funding
The New Bridge Program is a fully funded fellowship. All costs incurred (flights, accommodation, meals, and program activities) are fully covered by the program.
New Bridge to the U.S. is funded by the Joachim Herz Stiftung and the Halle Foundation; New Bridge to Germany is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and by the Joachim Herz Foundation.
Advisory Board
Our ten advisory board members from various sectors and from both sides of the Atlantic are on hand to answer questions and support us with their expertise in a wide range of areas.
- Sarah Anthony, State Representative (D-Lansing)
- Joaquin Castro, Representative (D-San Antonio)
- Pia Castro, Journalistin Deutsche Welle
- Nurten Erdogan, Deputy Chief Financial Officer – General Manager ING Deutschland
- Nina Hachigian, Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State
- Janina Kugel, non-executive board member, senior advisor, speaker, and author
- Christine Mhundwa, Journalistin Deutsche Welle
- Boris Ruge, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, NATO
- Majid Sattar, Journalist Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
- Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, U.S. Department of State