Fellowship Program for Young American Leaders

The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program

The aim of the fellowship program for young American leaders is to develop a new generation of Americans with knowledge of Europe and especially Germany from personal and above all professional experience, who are committed to strengthening German-American relations. In the long term, participants are expected to assume leading positions in politics, administration, business or the media in their country.

The fellowship program combines theory and practice. Fellows gain experience of Germany and Europe by working in their field there and taking part in intensive seminars. The foundation expects a high degree of self-initiative in planning and implementing their internships.

The program is aimed at young American graduates, generally with a post-graduate degree (Master) in Law, Politics, Economics, Urban Planning or Journalism. Appropriate professional experience is required, as are excellent German language skills at the start of the fellowship. Fellows are able to attend intensive courses in the USA and Germany to learn the language thoroughly or significantly improve their proficiency.

The Robert Bosch Stiftung has set up a New York office at Cultural Vistas to handle applications. Following preliminary selection, up to 44 applicants are invited to New York for interviews by a German-American selection committee. Up to 20 fellows are selected. 

Robert Bosch Foundation Alumni Association

In 1985, the group from the first year of the program founded the Robert Bosch Foundation Alumni Association (RBFAA) in New York. Today the RBFAA, comprised of around 500 members, forms a broad network of Americans from different generations and fields who share the experiences gained during the year of their fellowship in Germany as well as their dedication to transatlantic relationships. The RBFAA holds an annual event, inviting public figures from Germany and the US, organizes regional events, and participates in promotional events for the fellowship program. As a result, the association makes it possible for alumni to network and continue advocating for the dialog between Germany and the United States. In addition, the RBFAA sends former fellowship recipients to act as participants and experts at conferences and study trips by "Round Table USA".