A Global Conversation: The American Dream, Washington County, and a Visit to Schweinfurt
What began as a thoughtful high school research project in Schweinfurt, Germany turned into an inspiring cross-cultural exchange, rooted in a shared belief: the American Dream is not only alive—it’s being reinvented in Washington County, Wisconsin.
EDWC’s own CEO, Christian Tscheschlok, had the unique opportunity to visit students at Olympia-Morata-Gymnasium (OMG) during a family trip to Germany. The connection? A syndicated newspaper article in World and Press featuring Washington County’s innovative efforts to revive the American Dream through initiatives like Heart & Homestead (H&H) Earned Down Payment Incentive. Students at OMG, exploring whether the American Dream is still attainable, were intrigued by the story—and even more so by the community-driven model that puts homeownership within reach through volunteerism.
Gerhard & Christian (center) surrounded by Junior and Senior students, English teacher trainees, and English teacher Friedrich Frenzel (right). On the table are gifts the school gave Gerhard and Christian to thank them for their visit.
Sharing H&H with German Students
That interest sparked an email exchange, which led to an in-person visit by Christian and his father, Gerhard Tscheschlok, himself a German emigrant and firsthand example of the Dream’s reach. Over the course of two days, they engaged with students and teachers in vibrant conversations about family, opportunity, and how volunteerism can translate into home equity in Washington County.
“It’s just wonderful to realize that the American Dream can still be lived today,” said English teacher Friedrich Frenzel. “Three classes were able to get to know a successful German emigrant and his son, who has been enabling American families in his home county to buy their own homes and improve the quality of life in the community. It was a very informative and inspirational visit.”
The visit wasn’t just about policy—it was personal. Students learned how Washington County is addressing real-world challenges through initiatives that blend economic development with community engagement. The Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive allows residents to receive up to $20,000 toward a down payment in exchange for volunteer work at local nonprofits, churches, and care facilities. Even children in the household can contribute volunteer hours to help “earn” the incentive.
The idea resonated.
“It’s cool that kids can help their families buy a nice home,” one student remarked.
“I didn’t know much about the American Dream and how many Germans settled in Washington County,” said another.
Christian Tscheschlok, Friedrich Frenzel (English / French Instructor & Trainer), Thomas Liepert (English, Geography and IT Instructor), & Gerhard Tscheschlok gather for a photo in front of Thomas’ home. Thomas was chosen in a community-wide lottery to purchase one of the former officer’s homes made available when the U.S. Army closed its various base installations throughout Schweinfurt. He gave Christian and Gerhard a tour of the former base properties and the various redevelopment projects converting them back into the community, including that of his own home.
Tscheschlok Emigration Story Embodies American Dream
Gerhard shared stories of his own family’s emigration from Silesia and the journey to a new life in the United States, while Christian explained how Washington County is building on that legacy through economic development programs that prioritize people, place, and purpose.
At EDWC, we were proud to see how this story sparked curiosity and hope halfway around the world. It reminded us that the American Dream isn’t confined to our borders. It’s a global aspiration rooted in the belief that with opportunity, community, and hard work, a better life is possible.
This unexpected international moment reaffirmed something we’ve always known: when you prioritize home, belonging, and purpose, you do more than spark economic growth—you inspire futures, wherever they may be.
Learn more about Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive.