Windows on America Association

The Windows on America Association was established by Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue Timken in February of 2008 with the collaboration of both Germans and Americans in Berlin. It represents the public engagement of private citizens on topics of national interest in the field of integration of youth from immigrant backgrounds, offering education and opportunity while recognizing cultural diversity. As an accredited not for profit organization, the Windows on America Association is funded primarily through donations from German and American companies, foundations and private individuals. The Windows on America Association can thus be understood as a social venture partner in the venture capital context operating as a public private partnership. It works through a “highly leveraged model” bringing together in a strategic and unique way the interests of society at large with those of the private sector and those of the state. In confronting problems with integration, the state is limited in its institutional capacity to respond; only society itself can promote integration, by recognizing the resource represented by its own diversity.

Integration Deficiencies

The diversity of modern society, influenced through globalization and demographic changes, has already influenced the economic life in Germany tremendously. Economic success is only possible to those who recognize the diversity. The German Federal Commissioner for Migration, Refugees, and Integration, Dr. Maria Böhmer, described the cost of incomplete or failed integration in a recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation: “The lack of integration causes great socioeconomic damage, imposing a burden on all citizens of our country. Targeted investments promoting the integration of migrants are good for Germany. Every Euro invested by the federal government for integration brings a five-fold return.” According to the Bertelsmann study, inadequate integration of immigrants imposes an annual socioeconomic cost to federal, state, and local governments and to the social welfare system of approximately 16 billion Euros. The primary causes for this loss are poor language ability, low academic achievement, inadequate social networks, and the ineffective integration of immigrants in the work force.

According to a recent study by the German Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, for the first time after seven years, the German economy in 2008 has more apprenticeship positions available than candidates for those positions. The problem is that many potential candidates are underqualified. The Federal Employment Office notes that fewer and fewer candidates have a solid grasp of basic skills like spelling, basic arithmetic, and English language. This last is a prerequisite in our rapidly globalizing world. In order to have a fighting chance in the German work force, one must have good German and English language abilities as well as a good education. In addition, social skills are of central importance, particularly when seeking employment.

Society pays a heavy price for integration deficiencies. Greater investment is needed, above all in the educational sector, where the course is set for active participation in social and economic life. Educational opportunities must be improved, particularly for children and teenagers from immigrant backgrounds.

Our Vision for Integration

In the coming years, the successful integration of immigrants will play a decisive role in Germany and much of Europe. The wide-reaching experience of the United States with issues of integration and diversity, which the Windows on American Association draws upon in carrying out its program, can be useful in this regard.

A strong German-American partnership and a good relationship between Germany and the United States can only be maintained if teenagers from immigrant backgrounds establish their own connections and experiences with the United States and are able to cultivate friendships with Americans.

The economy above all will profit from improved integration, including through increased workforce productivity. German society as a whole will benefit from integration. Diversity and the appreciation of diversity stand to benefit corporations, society, and individuals. Enterprises profit in economic terms when a broad range of talent is acknowledged in the labor market through an open enterprise structure. Appreciation and acknowledgement lead to motivation and personal commitment. An open enterprise structure opens the way to new labor markets and new talents, making employers more competitive.

The Windows on America Association helps to make cultural diversity visible to the economy and to society. In order for our country to retain its leading position in a globalized economy, we must prove even more successful in integrating the different skills and abilities of people from different countries and cultures into our economy.