HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced today a substantial commitment to public education reform in Hartford, Conn. and St. Paul, Minn.

Travelers intends to target its future charitable giving in these cities to increase academic achievement among middle and high school students. The move represents a shift in philanthropic priorities for Travelers and its private foundation, and will mean a substantive increase over time in Travelers’ commitment to both school systems.

In 2009 Travelers 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.

Travelers Foundation President and CEO Marlene Ibsen outlined the company’s future plans at a press conference in the media center of the renovated Hartford Public High School, 55 Forest St., in Hartford.

She was joined by Hartford Schools Superintendent Steven J. Adamowski, Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez, in his capacity as chairman of the city’s Board of Education, and several city and state legislative leaders.

“Hartford and St. Paul public schools have launched impressive reform agendas with clearly measureable goals designed to close their achievement gaps,” 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 has already launched 11 new theme-based academies and learning centers in the first phase of an innovative 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 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, underperforming urban students for a college education and a successful career.

“As we battle threats of serious cuts in state education funding, it is gratifying to see Travelers put its faith and resources behind programs that work,” Dr. Adamowski said. “We hope that others will follow.”

Mayor Perez shared Dr. Adamowski’s sentiments: “Today’s news is an incredible validation of our efforts to improve student achievement. I can’t thank Travelers enough.”

In addition to High School, Inc., Travelers 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.

“Corporate philanthropy is evolving with a strong focus on results,” Ms. Ibsen said. “Companies want to invest their dollars in organizations that can convincingly improve and sustain student achievement, while realigning with the state’s future workforce needs. Supporting Hartford Public Schools is an investment in the long-term growth and improvement of the city.”

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

Hartford Public Schools
David Medina, , 860-695-8862
Director of External Communications
Email: MEDID001@hartfordschools.org
or
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Erin Haberman, 860-277-3617
Corporate Communications
Email: ehaberma@travelers.com