Leadership Programs
GMF’s Leadership Programs (LP) cultivates the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. By fostering a community of leaders with diverse life experiences and political perspectives along with a commitment to the transatlantic partnership, LP advances GMF’s transatlantic agenda on the future of democracy, inclusive and sustainable societies, security and defense, geopolitics, and technology and innovation. Based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and international cooperation, LP builds leadership capacity through fellowships, action grants, newly enhanced digital networks, distance learning, and the engagement of more than 4,000 alumni throughout Europe, the United States, and partnership countries. LP's portfolio of initiatives for established, mid-career, and next-generation leaders includes the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF), the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN), the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar (YLS) and Schuman Challenge.
Announcements
Deadline: 10:00am ET on July 15, 2026 / 16:00pm CET on July 15, 2026.
Are you committed to becoming a steward of the transatlantic agenda? Are you passionate about building inclusive communities and affecting real and sustainable change? Do you have an open mind and a commitment to gaining new perspectives?
If so, we encourage you to apply to join the 2027 Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) Program.
The MMF Program, launched in 1982 by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) to introduce a new generation of European leaders to the United States, now prepares individuals from both sides of the Atlantic for transatlantic leadership. The program cultivates strong transatlantic bonds, exposes participants to diverse perspectives, develops professional and leadership skills, and promotes democratic values and public diplomacy. The year-long fellowship program provides fellows with opportunities to build their competence in transatlantic relations, leadership, and community-building through virtual and in-person meetings, three weeks of immersive travel, peer learning, and networking. MMF strives to create a lasting network of alumni who engage with and support each other while adapting to contemporary global issues to maintain the program’s relevance and impact.
In 2027, GMF will award 24–27 Marshall Memorial Fellowship grants. Once the fellowship is completed, you will join the GMF network of around 4,000+ alumni. Your transatlantic engagement over the course of your professional and personal journey will continue with involvement in GMFs activities.
For more information about the program, application process, nomination process, and eligibility requirements, please see the fellowship page.
Between March 23-26, the ninth edition of the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar (YLS) brought together 50 beneficiaries of EU and U.S.-funded education exchange programs.
Participants learned about and discussed the changing skills landscape and its implications for education systems and labor market demand. The 50 attendees engaged in expert and peer exchange through panels, workshops and a simulated learning exercise.
GMF Leadership Programs is excited to announce the 2026 Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network Cohort.
The fellows come with an array of backgrounds and will work together to foster leadership skills, policies, and strategies promoting social cohesion across borders throughout their fellowship. They have successfully completed a highly competitive application and selection process. The Leadership Programs team is proud of all the outstanding applicants and is thrilled to have assembled such a diverse and impressive group.
The team now looks forward to collaborating with the fellows over the next months, culminating in June with the in-person component of the program!
GMF Leadership Programs is excited to announce the 2026 Marshall Memorial Fellowship cohort.
The fellows have successfully completed a highly competitive application and selection process. The Leadership Programs team is proud of all the outstanding applicants and is thrilled to have assembled such a diverse and impressive group.
The team extends its sincere gratitude to all alumni who shared this opportunity with their networks, nominated candidates, and contributed their time and expertise to the evaluation process.
The team now looks forward to collaborating with the fellows over the next year, starting with the virtual programming and culminating in September and October with 24 days of immersive travel across the United States and Europe.
Are you an alumnus/a of the GMF programs? Are you interested in staying engaged or giving back?
For more information, please visit the alumni relations page.