After saying it would invest more than $1 million in the St. Paul, Minn., school system, the Travelers Companies Inc. said it would invest a similar amount in Hartford, Conn.
This year, the St. Paul-based insurer said it expects to grant approximately $1 million to directly support the reform agenda of the Hartford Public Schools, plus another half-million to organizations and programs that serve Hartford students.
The company said it intends to target its future charitable giving in these cities to increase academic achievement among middle school and high school students.
Travelers said the move represents a shift in philanthropic priorities for its private foundation, and will mean a substantive increase over time in the carrier's commitment to both St. Paul and Hartford school systems.
"Hartford and St. Paul public schools have launched impressive reform agendas with clearly measureable goals designed to close their achievement gaps," said Travelers foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Marlene Ibsen in a statement.
Ms. Ibsen said, "Narrowing our focus to collaborate with these efforts will increase our community impact and help develop models for success that can be replicated on a national scale."
Hartford Public Schools have already launched 11 new theme-based academies and learning centers in the first phase of a plan to reinvent itself as an all-choice system of high-performing schools and be aligned with critical job skills needed in Connecticut.
Five more new schools are set to open in 2009-2010, including the insurance and financial services academy, High School Inc. Travelers said it has been deeply involved in developing High School Inc. and is the lead donor.
All of the new schools are models of teaching programs that have shown consistently that they can prepare the poorest, most underperforming urban students for a college education and a successful career, the company said.
In addition to High School Inc., Travelers said it will be investing in programs that prepare students academically and socially for the transition from high school to post-secondary education and on to launch their careers. Travelers will also establish leadership and management improvement programs for current and aspiring Hartford public school principals.
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