The Anna-Maria and Stephen M. Kellen Fellowships provide exceptional German journalists in Berlin with a unique opportunity to travel to the United States. Fellows gain exclusive access to policymakers, opinion leaders, and experts, conducting in-depth reporting on the most pressing issues in the German-American relationship. This prestigious fellowship enhances the fellow’s career and contributes to a more profound global dialogue on transatlantic affairs.
Mr. Stephen M. Kellen was a member of the American Council on Germany for 40 years and played an active role on the Board of Directors for many years. His unwavering commitment to engaging younger people in the transatlantic dialogue is reflected in the Anna-Maria and Stephen M. Kellen Fellowships. Launched in 1996, the Kellen Fellowships was created to empower up-and-coming journalists to engage with critical topics that shape the future of German-American relations. It’s a rare chance for journalists to conduct firsthand investigations into the heart of U.S. policy and public opinion.
Past fellows have explored critical topics such as the gentrification of U.S. cities, immigration trends, the American education system, transatlantic trade, disinformation in politics, and comparative perspectives on many other critical public-policy issues. This fellowship provides a unique chance to contribute to the ongoing discourse on vital issues impacting Germany and the U.S.
Fellows receive a generous $7,000 stipend covering transatlantic airfare, domestic travel within the U.S., and accommodations for a minimum of 21 days. Before the stipend is released, fellows collaborate with the Program Director to finalize a detailed travel and research itinerary. Fellows have one year from the date of selection to complete their trip.
After the fellowship, fellows must submit an insightful analytical report on their research. The American Council on Germany will publish and distribute the report. Fellows are encouraged to share their findings with a broader audience through public and virtual events.
Applicants must submit a compelling three- to five-page project proposal outlining their research plan, the issues they wish to explore, and the experts or institutions they hope to interview. The proposal should focus on issues key to the transatlantic partnership.
This fellowship is designed for early-career journalists, ideally working for media organizations. Applicants with limited or no international reporting experience and freelance journalists with a proven track record are also encouraged to apply. Applicants must be professionally based in Berlin and possess a strong knowledge of English. Fellowships are meant to give individuals new life experiences and to help move their careers forward.
The application due date is May 30, 2025.
Applicants must submit:
- 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; and
- Two letters of recommendation.
Candidates for the Kellen Fellowships must:
- Be a German citizen residing in Berlin;
- 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.
Named in honor of Anna-Maria and Stephen M. Kellen, a Berlin native who was an ACG Board member and Co-Chairman of the New York investment firm Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder Holdings, the fellowships give up-and-coming journalists the opportunity to examine key issues in the German-American partnership.