Past Events

The German American Partnership Program (GAPP) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022! Since our founding in 1972, more than 400,000 students have participated in the exchange program between schools in the United States and Germany. Discover some of our past events.

Ami Warning and Band at Block Party ©Wood Powell/Goethe-Institut

Highlights

Anniversary Weekend

The GAPP team celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 along with guests, GAPP teachers, and alumni at a gala dinner in New York City. The celebration culminated with a block party in front of Goethe-Institut New York, NYC.

©Wood Powell/Goethe-Institut
Photo Gallery 50th anniversray

From virtual exchange events like "Ein Blick durchs Schlüsselloch" to in-person summer camp in California. Local Events like the big Block Party in New York City with friends and neighbors as well the festive Gala Dinner with colleagues and supporters.

©GAPP/Amanda Guimaraes
Ask me anything

In an Ask me Anything, students across the U.S. were invited to join authors Fatma Aydemir and Mohamed Amjahid as they discussed identity, belonging and what it means to come of age in Germany and the U.S.

@S.Fendt; A Langer

Discover the History of GAPP

1972
GAPP's Foundation and the 1970s

GAPP began as a small program in the early 1970s. Over the decade GAPP would find its footing, moving its headquarters as student numbers slowly grew. Despite having little funding and a small pool of partnerships, GAPP persisted in its mission to help German and American students connect from across the world.

© Goethe Institut New York
1983
GAPP's expansion and the 1980s

With increased awareness and partnerships, the 1980s was a period of rapid expansion for GAPP. From higher funding to assistance from government entities, GAPP began to pick up steam and reach new records for student participation.

© Goethe Institut New York
1989
German Reunification and the 1990s

For decades, Germany was split into two separate nations: East and West. Over 40 years later, the two countries would reunite. During this tumultuous period of time, GAPP continued to organize and facilitate exchanges. Students who participated during this time got to witness some of the most significant historical moments in modern German history.

© Goethe Institut New York
2020
Launch of GAVE and GAPP Today

In 2020, the German American Virtual Exchange, or GAVE, was launched. GAVE would allow students to participate in virtual exchanges, preparing them for future in-person visits to host countries. As pandemic restrictions loosened, students would use the knowledge they gained from GAVE to enhance their GAPP experience.

© Goethe Institut New York