If you are a young professional, activist, or policymaker interested in the intersection of climate change and digital infrastructure, the Heinrich Böll Foundation invites you to apply for the Grow the Future 2026: Desert Compute study tour.

This fully funded, interdisciplinary program brings a select group of European experts to the United States. You will travel to Washington DC, Northern California, and Arizona to examine the explosive growth of AI data centers, the resulting strain on water and energy resources, and the grassroots environmental justice movements responding to these challenges. This is an exceptional opportunity to build transatlantic networks and shape a just, green future.

Important details

• Program Name: Grow the Future 2026: Desert Compute
• Host Organization: Heinrich Böll Foundation (Washington, DC and Berlin offices)
• Study Tour Locations: United States (Washington DC, Northern California, Arizona)
• Study Tour Dates: June 20 to June 27, 2026
• Alumni Meeting Date: November 2026 (Berlin, Germany)
• Cohort Size: 8 to 10 selected participants
• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026 (5:59 PM Eastern Time)

Benefits of Grow the Future 2026

The Heinrich Böll Foundation provides comprehensive financial support for this study tour. As a selected participant, you will receive:

• Travel Costs: Full coverage for international flights and all domestic transportation during the US tour.
• Accommodation: Fully covered lodging throughout the duration of the program.
• Meals: Most meals during the study tour are provided.
• Visa Support: The Foundation will cover associated visa fees if applicable.
• Alumni Network Support: Full funding to attend the November 2026 alumni meeting in Berlin.

Note: You are expected to cover your own personal incidentals and occasional meals.

Fields of study and Program Focus

While this is not a traditional academic degree program, the study tour focuses heavily on specific thematic areas:

• Environmental Justice and Climate Policy
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Infrastructure Governance
• Transatlantic Relations and Green Initiatives
• Indigenous Rights and Resource Management (Water and Land Scarcity)

Who can apply?

The program is highly specific in its target audience. You must strictly fulfill the following eligibility criteria to be considered:

• Age Limit: You must be between 21 and 35 years old at the time of application.
• Geographic Base: You must be primarily based in Germany OR actively working on relevant European Union policies. (You do not need to hold German citizenship).
• Language: You must have professional competency in the English language.
• Professional Background: You must fall into one of the following categories:
  • Elected officials or policy advisors (local, state, national, or EU level).
  • Campaigners, strategists, or activists in progressive non-profits, labor organizations, or the private sector.
  • Researchers or educators in academia or think tanks.
  • Journalists covering environmental justice and the digital economy.

Required Documents

You must submit your application in English. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Pay strict attention to the formatting rules:

1. Resume (US Format): Maximum of two pages. It must include your contact information but exclude personal details like your photograph, marital status, or familial status.
2. Cover Letter (1-2 Pages): Outline your motivation for joining. You must state your age in this letter. Explain what you hope to learn, how you will contribute to the dialogue on data center activism, and how you will apply these lessons in your home network.
3. Challenge Statement (150-300 Words): Write a brief essay explaining a specific piece of writing or media that reflects how you see the future and your interest in the tour. (This specific piece of media does not need to be about data centers).

You may like to apply?

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2026 for Afghanistan and and Other Countries for Master and PhD
• Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for Freedom in Germany
• GIST Master and PhD Scholarships in South Korea (Fall 2026)
• European Forum Alpbach Scholarship Program 2026 | Two weeks in Vienna Austria

Selection Criteria and Expectations

The participant selection process actively seeks to build an inclusive and gender-diverse cohort. If selected, you are expected to:

• Commit fully to the travel dates (June 20-27, 2026) and actively participate in all sessions.
• Share your expertise openly with US meeting partners and fellow participants.
• Attend virtual preparatory meetings prior to the tour.
• Engage on social media platforms during the tour and maintain ongoing involvement with the Grow the Future alumni network.

How to apply?

The entire application process is managed online. Follow these steps to ensure your application is reviewed:

1. Prepare your US-style Resume, Cover Letter, and Challenge Statement in English.
2. Ensure you have explicitly stated your age in the cover letter.
3. Access the official Heinrich Böll Foundation application portal.
4. Upload your documents and submit your application before the strict deadline.

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026, at 5:59 PM ET. Participants will be selected and notified by the end of March.

Apply Now – Official Heinrich Böll Foundation Portal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to be a German citizen to apply? No. You do not need to hold German citizenship. However, you must either be primarily based in Germany or actively working on relevant European Union policies.

Are there any costs I have to pay myself? The Heinrich Böll Foundation covers major expenses including flights, accommodation, visa fees, and most meals. You should only expect to pay for personal incidentals and a few occasional meals during the trip.

Why does my resume need to exclude my photo and marital status? The program requires a standard US format resume to ensure fair, unbiased, and equitable evaluation. US labor standards strictly avoid reviewing photographs, age, or marital status on resumes to prevent discrimination. (Note: You must state your age in your cover letter to prove you meet the 21-35 age requirement).

What is the Challenge Statement? It is a short 150-300 word essay required for the application. You must choose a piece of writing or media (a book, article, video, etc.) that reflects your vision of the future and explains your interest in the study tour. It does not have to specifically be about AI or data centers.

What happens after the study tour? Participants are expected to bring the lessons learned back to their local networks and remain active in the Grow the Future alumni network. A fully funded alumni meeting will take place in Berlin in November 2026.