In a rapidly changing, complex, and interconnected world, it is becoming increasingly important to analyze tomorrow’s challenges today. Through the McCloy Fellowships on Global Trends, the ACG seeks to tackle overarching issues that affect communities around the world – particularly in Germany and the United States – in areas such as equity and social justice, urbanization, climate change and sustainability, technology and digitalization, public health as well as financial concerns such as inflation, trade, and global supply chains.
The fellowships allow American and German young professionals from all sectors to research and assess the most pressing topics on the transatlantic agenda while engaging with their counterparts overseas. Fellows work independently, creating a program of their design and deciding where to go and whom to meet.
The fellowships are designed to better understand key policy issues shaping the German-American partnership while promoting better understanding between countries. Recent fellows have explored topics such as the growing political and economic division, building resilient and sustainable communities, the role of media on society, the digital economy, feminist foreign policy, and more
Applicants should present a project proposal of three to five pages detailing their plans, including the background, scope of the research, and how it addresses a global trend, the potential sources and institutions they would like to consult, and the relevance to the transatlantic partnership.
Fellowships are meant to give individuals new life experiences and to help move their careers forward. While there is no age limit, the McCloy Fellowship on Global Trends is intended for those in the early stages of their careers.
Fellows receive a $7,000 stipend, which covers transatlantic airfare and domestic travel, as well as room and board, for a minimum of 21 days. American Fellows travel to Germany, and German Fellows travel to the United States. Fellows must work closely with the Program Director to organize a detailed day-by-day itinerary. Fellows have one year from the date of selection to take their fellowship.
Upon completing their international travel, fellows are required to submit an analytical report on their findings. This report must be suitable for publication by the American Council on Germany. Fellows will be asked to present their research to the broader ACG audience, either in person or as a webinar.
 The application due date is May 1, 2024.
Applicants must submit the following:
- A cover letter outlining your personal and professional objectives for the fellowship;
- A three- to five-page project proposal as described above;
- A current resume;
- Two letters of recommendation.
Candidates for the McCloy Fellowships on Global Trends must:
- Be a U.S. citizen residing in the United States or a German citizen residing in Germany;
- Be in the relatively early stages of their careers;
- Have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience;
- Holds a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent);
- Have a sincere commitment to furthering the transatlantic relationship.
The McCloy Fellowships are named after John J. McCloy, the founding Chairman of the ACG and the first civilian U.S. High Commissioner for Germany. He strongly believed that younger Americans and Germans benefit greatly from meeting their counterparts and peers. For more than 40 years, the ACG has provided nearly 1,000 McCloy Fellowships to outstanding individuals.