Greetings from the partners of the
Transatlantic Outreach Program:

Now more than ever, in the age of globalisation, the promotion of dialogue among cultures through interpersonal contacts is of crucial importance. Germany underwent a radical transformation after World War II and has continued to evolve, particularly since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. To describe developments over the past 50 years and offer American social studies educators a more complete picture of modern-day Germany, the German Foreign Office has teamed up with Deutsche Bank, the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Goethe-Institut to develop the Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP). Under this program, we want to provide educators first-hand information about Germany by offering premium, up-to-date material and – to a select number of teachers – study tours to Germany. The program is a significant contribution to better understanding modern Germany among young Americans and thus to strengthening our bilateral relations.
Wolfgang Ischinger, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington, DC

"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greater abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream, which fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone” – John F. Kennedy. Deutsche Bank AG is a corporation with global interests and global ties, which considers social engagement a responsibility. Deutsche Bank co-founded the Transatlantic Outreach Program with this in mind. The program supports social studies educators in the teaching of German culture and economy through publications, workshops and the chance to travel to Germany. We consider the promotion of understanding and tolerance essential to the future of business relations, as well as the many other relations between our two countries, be they social, political, economic, or simply as friends. As may be seen from our diverse social initiatives, we believe that sharing knowledge through education and learning is an effective way of promoting tolerance and erasing prejudices.
Hanns Michael Hölz, Global Head Corporate Citizenship & Sustainable Development. Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt/Main

“America, you are better off. You are not hampered in vital actions by useless memories and pointless strife…”deplores the poet J.W. Goethe at the end of the 18th century, referring to the permanent tensions and struggles among German and also European states at that time. The Goethe-Institut, as a cultural mediator, works for better international understanding by informing about Germany and by trying to find mutual subjects of cultural cooperation with partners throughout the world. The teaching material of the Transatlantic Outreach Program serves this goal by providing information about various aspects of the German society, economy, history, culture and its peace promoting role especially on the European continent nowadays. We hope that it motivates students as well as teachers to strengthen their curiosity about Germany and to wish to get more acquainted with this interesting country.
Prof. Jutta Limbach, President of the Goethe-Institut e.V., Munich

The Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH represents the philanthropic and social endeavors of founder Robert Bosch (1861- 1942) and fulfils his legacy in a contemporary manner. Its main areas of interest are international relations, public health and education. In its program area international relations, the foundation seeks to promote among others the German- American relationship. The cornerstone of our transatlantic activities is the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. Since 1984, over 300 young American professionals have benefited from the program, living and working in Germany for nine months. The Transatlantic Outreach Program adds to our efforts to contribute to an accurate and well-informed picture of modern Germany among young Americans.
Dieter Berg, Chairman of the Board of Management Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany