Founded in 1996 by the state government of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Atlantic Academy is a state- and privately funded, non-profit, and non-partisan organization whose goal is to foster transatlantic relations by educating the public about US American politics and society. To achieve its goal of building bridges across the Atlantic, the Academy rests on three pillars: encounters, education, and consultation. Encounters: The Atlantic Academy presents all those with a forum, who have questions related to the United States and its transatlantic relations and who seek a discourse with others; Americans as well as Germans. In addition, concerts, film screenings, and lectures present an opportunity for encounters across all the different regions of Rhineland-Palatinate. Education: The Atlantic Academy offers lectures, seminars, and workshops for all those interested in transatlantic issues. The Academy is open to everyone who is looking to get substantiated information from distinguished experts, including American scholars who have come to Germany following an invitation by the Atlantic Academy.Consultation: Those looking for advice—be it journalists, politicians, and entrepreneurs or students—may use the knowledge and experience of the Atlantic Academy's staff as a resource. In case of specialized questions, the Academy, as part of the national American studies network, is able to establish a contact to appropriate experts.