Between 1984 and 2021, the Robert Bosch Foundation enabled more than 600 young American professionals to gain an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, social, and cultural environment in Germany and Europe, through an intensive year-long fellowship program. Fellows received language training, attended seminars and completed high-level placements at leading public and private institutions. Candidates were chosen on a competitive basis from the fields of public policy and administration, foreign and security policy, urban and regional planning, business, journalism and communications, law, or cultural and arts management.

When the first group of fellows returned from Germany in 1985, they formed the Robert Bosch Foundation Alumni Association (RBFAA), a vibrant professional network through which alumni stay informed on issues relevant to transatlantic relations within the United States, Germany and the greater European Union.

For almost 40 years, the RBFAA held annual meetings that featured prominent speakers from both countries. In addition, the organization sponsored dozens of regional events to promote ongoing German-American dialogue on a broad spectrum of sociopolitical issues.

Following the end of the fellowship in 2022, the RBFAA continues to be a voice in the increasingly fraught transatlantic relationship. Former fellows now hold influential roles across the policy, business and cultural domains. Many cite their experience in Germany, as well as their association with the RBFAA as influential in their lives and further careers. 

For more information about the RBFAA, please email the current Board at .