Social Cohesion Study Tour 2026 – Call for Applications Hosted by the American Council on Germany

The American Council on Germany (ACG) is now accepting applications for the fifth year of its Study Tour on Social Cohesion, a unique transatlantic exchange program bringing together rising leaders from the United States and Germany. This two-part initiative gathers early-career professionals who are committed to building equitable, resilient, and thriving communities.

About the Program

Socio-economic divisions continue to challenge both the United States and Germany, making social cohesion a crucial foundation for healthy societies. The Study Tour provides participants with hands-on exposure to community-based solutions, innovative policy approaches, and cross-sector collaborations that promote inclusion and improve quality of life.

Across two in-person study tours, participants will engage with:

• Community organizations
• Local government officials
• Scholars and practitioners specializing in equity, inclusion, social policy, and urban development

The program also includes historical and cultural site visits to contextualize challenges facing modern communities.

Program Structure

Approximately 20 participants (10 from each country) will be selected. Participation requires full commitment to both segments of the exchange:

Part 1: Germany Study Tour

Bremen and Schwerin
June 14–20, 2026

Part 2: United States Study Tour

Baltimore, Maryland & Austin, Texas
October 4–10, 2026

Additional Component

Participants will also be invited to Berlin in December 2026 for a conference bringing together all five cohorts of the Social Cohesion program.

Themes & Past Topics

Previous cohorts have explored themes including:

• Education and youth engagement
• Migration and integration policy
• Affordable housing and urban development
• Workforce development and economic opportunity

These visits help participants understand the structural, cultural, and historical factors shaping social equity today.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the United States OR
  European citizens residing in Germany
• Be in the early stages of their career
• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to strengthening transatlantic relations and improving their communities

Backgrounds in urban development, community engagement, social policy, and related fields are highly encouraged.

Funding & Participation Costs

Selected participants will pay a €500 participation fee (approx. $520).
All other program-related costs are fully covered, including:

• International and domestic travel
• Accommodation
• Group meals and program activities

The total value of the program exceeds $12,000, supported by the American Council on Germany and the Transatlantic Program of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• 1–2 page personal statement describing motivation and interest
• Current resume/CV
• Two letters of recommendation

Deadline

March 20, 2026

Contact for Inquiries

For questions about eligibility or program expectations, contact:
Robin Cammarota – rcammarota@acgusa.org

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