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Origins:
In order to intensify cooperation between Germany and America a youth exchange program was set up to be sponsored jointly by the parliaments of both countries. U.S. Congress and German Bundestag subsequently passed resolutions to this effect and in October 1983, the tricentennial of the arrival of the first German settlers in America, the program was launched.

Aim:
The participants are sponsored by Members of the German Bundestag with the aim of making young people aware of the importance of friendly cooperation between Germany and the United States of America. By agreeing to sponsor participants, the Members of the German Bundestag actively endorse the program every year.

Participants:
The participants, fifteen to seventeen year old high school students and young professionals up to the age of twenty-two, are expected to be "junior ambassadors" for Germany. They are granted full scholarships. This includes travel, necessary insurance, program and school costs but no spending money.

Applications:
High school students and young professionals send their applications to the German exchange organizations responsible for their Bundestag district. If they meet the basic eligibility requirements they will be invited to participate in the preselection process.

Selection:
Following a preliminary evaluation of the applicants by the exchange organizations, Members of the German Bundestag select the participants. Applicants will be evaluated based on evidence of the personal qualities essential for adjustment to another culture, such as flexibility, open-mindedness and motivation for a cross-cultural experience.

Program:
All participants attend pre-departure and post-arrival orientation camps. Additional seminars are also included in the program. High school students live in host families and are admitted to public schools. Young professionals attend vocational high school and complete an internship with a company.

Financing:
Every year a budget of approximately $ 2.9 million in the USA and € 3.2 million in Germany is made available to finance the program.

More information:
Complete information about the German side of the program is available at www.bundestag.de/ppp. Complete information about the American side of the program (CBYX) is available at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students/europe/german.htm