News
Travelers Announces 2009 Charitable Contributions of Nearly $19 Million in Community Support
More
NEW YORK, February 22, 2010 — The Travelers Companies,
Inc. (NYSE: TRV) and its private foundation, the Travelers
Foundation, today announced its 2009 total charitable contributions
of nearly $19 million in community support across the country.
Travelers is committed to strengthening local communities by
investing in community-based nonprofit organizations and their work
serving others, specifically in the areas of education, community
development and the arts, as well as providing employee volunteer
support. In 2009, Travelers employees contributed 12,000 volunteer
hours to their local communities.
Employees Contributed 12,000 Volunteer Hours
NEW YORK, February 22, 2010 — The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) and its private foundation, the Travelers Foundation, today announced its 2009 total charitable contributions of nearly $19 million in community support across the country. Travelers is committed to strengthening local communities by investing in community-based nonprofit organizations and their work serving others, specifically in the areas of education, community development and the arts, as well as providing employee volunteer support. In 2009, Travelers employees contributed 12,000 volunteer hours to their local communities.
Education Commitment
In 2009, Travelers announced that it has begun focusing a significant portion of its charitable giving on public education reform and improving academic and career success for underrepresented youth. Nearly $8 million in grants were awarded to programs specifically targeted at public schoolchildren in grades five through 12 and students in transition to post-secondary education in Hartford, Conn., and Saint Paul, Minn., where Travelers has large employee populations, and in select cities nationally.
In support of this growing effort, Travelers and the Travelers Foundation granted approximately $2.5 million to the Hartford and Saint Paul public school systems to support their reform agendas. These grants supported programs designed to increase academic achievement by middle and high school students, provide opportunities for students to transition from high school to post-secondary education and build awareness of careers in insurance. Additionally, the grants allowed for the creation of leadership development programs for school principals in both cities.
“Travelers is committed to ensuring that the students in our key markets are poised for a seamless and successful transition to college and into a rewarding career,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President of the Travelers Foundation. “The Hartford and Saint Paul public school systems have laid out inspiring, measurable reform programs that should and will serve as a model for other public school systems throughout the country. Supporting their agendas will strengthen our communities by providing our future workforce with a quality education.”
Travelers also provided nearly $2.5 million in funding through Travelers EDGE: Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that many underrepresented students face. The program provides a holistic approach to education through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based programs to increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college. With the 2009 addition of CollegeBound, Travelers now has partnerships with 10 organizations in Hartford, Conn., Saint Paul, Minn., and Baltimore, Md. During the 2008-2009 academic year, Travelers EDGE programs reached more than 6,700 students. Of these students, 479 students benefited from “high touch” programs, where funding supported in-depth relationships with and opportunities for students.
Volunteerism & Employee Involvement
To continue to strengthen its long-standing commitment to employee volunteerism, in 2009 Travelers launched an employee involvement program that encourages employees to engage in the community both as individuals and teams, while simultaneously making them aware of the company’s community giving priorities. As part of this plan, Travelers developed Community Connection Grants, which allow teams of employees to nominate a nonprofit organization they volunteer with to receive funding. Grant applications are judged on volunteer commitment, alignment with the company’s community relations priorities (education, community development and the arts), business connectivity and impact on the community.
The company also launched Travelers Community Connection, an internal database that matches employees with company-designated volunteer opportunities of interest to them and captures the hours employees spend volunteering, allowing the company to measure its impact on the community.
Community Development & Arts Funding
The remainder of Travelers’ charitable giving supports targeted local needs in the areas of community development and the arts in the company’s key communities of Hartford and Saint Paul as well as in other geographic regions where the company has a significant business presence.
To ensure the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work, Travelers supports programs that create and maintain stability in local neighborhoods through small business development, affordable housing and job readiness training. Highlights of the more than $2.6 million in community development giving include:
Travelers provided additional community support through charitable sponsorships, an employee matching gifts program and an employee giving campaign. Click here for a complete list of grants made by Travelers and its private foundation.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $25 billion in 2009. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
NEW YORK, February 22, 2010 — The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) and its private foundation, the Travelers Foundation, today announced its 2009 total charitable contributions of nearly $19 million in community support across the country. Travelers is committed to strengthening local communities by investing in community-based nonprofit organizations and their work serving others, specifically in the areas of education, community development and the arts, as well as providing employee volunteer support. In 2009, Travelers employees contributed 12,000 volunteer hours to their local communities.
Education Commitment
In 2009, Travelers announced that it has begun focusing a significant portion of its charitable giving on public education reform and improving academic and career success for underrepresented youth. Nearly $8 million in grants were awarded to programs specifically targeted at public schoolchildren in grades five through 12 and students in transition to post-secondary education in Hartford, Conn., and Saint Paul, Minn., where Travelers has large employee populations, and in select cities nationally.
In support of this growing effort, Travelers and the Travelers Foundation granted approximately $2.5 million to the Hartford and Saint Paul public school systems to support their reform agendas. These grants supported programs designed to increase academic achievement by middle and high school students, provide opportunities for students to transition from high school to post-secondary education and build awareness of careers in insurance. Additionally, the grants allowed for the creation of leadership development programs for school principals in both cities.
“Travelers is committed to ensuring that the students in our key markets are poised for a seamless and successful transition to college and into a rewarding career,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President of the Travelers Foundation. “The Hartford and Saint Paul public school systems have laid out inspiring, measurable reform programs that should and will serve as a model for other public school systems throughout the country. Supporting their agendas will strengthen our communities by providing our future workforce with a quality education.”
Travelers also provided nearly $2.5 million in funding through Travelers EDGE: Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that many underrepresented students face. The program provides a holistic approach to education through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based programs to increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college. With the 2009 addition of CollegeBound, Travelers now has partnerships with 10 organizations in Hartford, Conn., Saint Paul, Minn., and Baltimore, Md. During the 2008-2009 academic year, Travelers EDGE programs reached more than 6,700 students. Of these students, 479 students benefited from “high touch” programs, where funding supported in-depth relationships with and opportunities for students.
Volunteerism & Employee Involvement
To continue to strengthen its long-standing commitment to employee volunteerism, in 2009 Travelers launched an employee involvement program that encourages employees to engage in the community both as individuals and teams, while simultaneously making them aware of the company’s community giving priorities. As part of this plan, Travelers developed Community Connection Grants, which allow teams of employees to nominate a nonprofit organization they volunteer with to receive funding. Grant applications are judged on volunteer commitment, alignment with the company’s community relations priorities (education, community development and the arts), business connectivity and impact on the community.
The company also launched Travelers Community Connection, an internal database that matches employees with company-designated volunteer opportunities of interest to them and captures the hours employees spend volunteering, allowing the company to measure its impact on the community.
Community Development & Arts Funding
The remainder of Travelers’ charitable giving supports targeted local needs in the areas of community development and the arts in the company’s key communities of Hartford and Saint Paul as well as in other geographic regions where the company has a significant business presence.
To ensure the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work, Travelers supports programs that create and maintain stability in local neighborhoods through small business development, affordable housing and job readiness training. Highlights of the more than $2.6 million in community development giving include:
- A $60,000 grant for Our Piece of the Pie’s youth development program, which helps Hartford youth access and attain a mix of educational, employment, and personal skills.
- A CommonBond Communities grant for $50,000 to support Advantage Centers, on-site technology-based learning centers that provide residents of the organization’s housing developments in the Twin Cities access to comprehensive employment, early childhood, and after-school tutorial programs.
- A Cooperative Resource Center grant of $20,000 for affordable
housing in Atlanta.
In addition, Travelers supports arts and culture organizations that contribute directly to academic learning and access for low-income and underserved communities. For example, Travelers funds organizations that incorporate the use of arts in learning, support improved academic success and achievement in local pubic schools, and encourage a multi-cultural understanding to strengthen local communities. Examples of more than $2.5 million in arts program support include: - A Hartford Stage Company grant for $50,000 to support InterAct, an education outreach program for middle and high school students in Greater Hartford.
- A GoggleWorks grant for $5,000 to support the After School Arts Program, which prevents and reduces juvenile delinquency in at-risk youth in central and southeastern Pennsylvania.
- A Blaffer Gallery grant for $15,000 to support the Young Artist Apprenticeship Program, which serves talented at-risk high school students in Houston.
Travelers provided additional community support through charitable sponsorships, an employee matching gifts program and an employee giving campaign. Click here for a complete list of grants made by Travelers and its private foundation.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $25 billion in 2009. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Travelers Commits to Haitian Earthquake Relief Efforts
More
NEW YORK, January 19, 2010 – The Travelers Companies, Inc.
(NYSE: TRV) today announced that in response to the devastation
caused by the earthquake in Haiti, the Travelers Foundation is
sending $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist relief efforts.
Travelers Foundation sends $50,000 and pledges to match employee
donations up to $50,000
NEW YORK, January 19, 2010 – The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced that in response to the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, the Travelers Foundation is sending $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist relief efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the Haitian people as they face the aftermath of this natural disaster,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President of the Travelers Foundation.
The Travelers Foundation also has created a special disaster relief matching program so that Travelers employees may contribute between $25 and $500 to the Haitian earthquake relief efforts through the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, UNICEF or the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and have their contributions matched.
“The Haitian people need our help immediately and we are proud to support the relief efforts by magnifying our employees’ generous contributions,” said Ibsen. The Travelers Foundation will match employee contributions up to $50,000, for a total contribution of $100,000.
About Travelers
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Wislocki,
860.277.7458, or
Erin Haberman,
860.277.3617
NEW YORK, January 19, 2010 – The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced that in response to the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, the Travelers Foundation is sending $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist relief efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the Haitian people as they face the aftermath of this natural disaster,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President of the Travelers Foundation.
The Travelers Foundation also has created a special disaster relief matching program so that Travelers employees may contribute between $25 and $500 to the Haitian earthquake relief efforts through the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, UNICEF or the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and have their contributions matched.
“The Haitian people need our help immediately and we are proud to support the relief efforts by magnifying our employees’ generous contributions,” said Ibsen. The Travelers Foundation will match employee contributions up to $50,000, for a total contribution of $100,000.
About Travelers
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Wislocki,
860.277.7458, or
Erin Haberman,
860.277.3617
TRV Sponsors "Challenging Expectations"
More
SAINT PAUL, Minn., September 10, 2009 — In the Twin Cities fewer than 50 percent of students of color graduate high school in four years and fewer than 30 percent go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Twin Cities Public Television Documentary Examines Barriers to
Education
SAINT PAUL, Minn., September 10, 2009 — In the Twin Cities fewer than 50 percent of students of color graduate high school in four years and fewer than 30 percent go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.* These statistics are particularly alarming given that according to the Department of Labor, 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs in the economy require some level of post-secondary education. “Challenging Expectations,” a new documentary produced by Twin Cities Public Television ( tpt ) and presented by the Travelers Foundation, addresses the current state of secondary education achievement in Minnesota.
“This documentary came to light through a community-based listening and learning process that revealed how expectations of our educational system in Minnesota are challenging and many believe need to be challenged,” said Daniel Bergin, producer, tpt.
“Challenging Expectations” takes an in depth look at the vast array of barriers to college education that Minnesota students face, such as poor teaching, lack of parent involvement, pervasive poverty and low expectations. Points of view and profiles of Twin Cities high school students are combined with input from educators, administrators and some of the state’s leading thinkers on education. In addition, tpt’s complementary half hour documentary, “Challenging Expectations: Youth Voices,” gives students the opportunity to tell their own stories of hope, set backs, confusion, dreams and barriers.
“Travelers is committed to increasing academic and career success for students in our community,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President, Travelers Foundation. “We’re proud to sponsor a documentary that addresses the daunting challenges many of our students face. It is our hope that all who view this film are inspired to take action. We believe all stakeholders should come together to create the educational system our students deserve.”
A significant portion of Travelers’ community giving is focused on education. In 2009 the foundation has provided $1.5 million in grants to the St. Paul Public Schools’ reform agenda. The Travelers support is targeted at programs that increase college readiness and access for underrepresented students as well as principal leadership training. Additionally, through Travelers EDGE, which stands for Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, the company has partnered with Twin Cities colleges and community organizations to help remove the barriers to college that underrepresented students face.
“Challenging Expectations” will air on tpt2 at 4 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 20, and on tptMN on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. “Challenging Expectations: Youth Voices” will air on tptMN on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. Both programs will also be accessible through YouTube at www.youtube.com/tpteducation.
“The documentary was created as a tool for the community,” said Bergin. “We encourage educators, parents, students and community groups to share the program and begin a dialogue that will lead to change within our educational system and access to higher education for all students.”
About Travelers
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has 33,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
###
*Wilder Foundation
Media Contact:
Erin Haberman
Travelers
860.277.3617
SAINT PAUL, Minn., September 10, 2009 — In the Twin Cities fewer than 50 percent of students of color graduate high school in four years and fewer than 30 percent go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.* These statistics are particularly alarming given that according to the Department of Labor, 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs in the economy require some level of post-secondary education. “Challenging Expectations,” a new documentary produced by Twin Cities Public Television ( tpt ) and presented by the Travelers Foundation, addresses the current state of secondary education achievement in Minnesota.
“This documentary came to light through a community-based listening and learning process that revealed how expectations of our educational system in Minnesota are challenging and many believe need to be challenged,” said Daniel Bergin, producer, tpt.
“Challenging Expectations” takes an in depth look at the vast array of barriers to college education that Minnesota students face, such as poor teaching, lack of parent involvement, pervasive poverty and low expectations. Points of view and profiles of Twin Cities high school students are combined with input from educators, administrators and some of the state’s leading thinkers on education. In addition, tpt’s complementary half hour documentary, “Challenging Expectations: Youth Voices,” gives students the opportunity to tell their own stories of hope, set backs, confusion, dreams and barriers.
“Travelers is committed to increasing academic and career success for students in our community,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President, Travelers Foundation. “We’re proud to sponsor a documentary that addresses the daunting challenges many of our students face. It is our hope that all who view this film are inspired to take action. We believe all stakeholders should come together to create the educational system our students deserve.”
A significant portion of Travelers’ community giving is focused on education. In 2009 the foundation has provided $1.5 million in grants to the St. Paul Public Schools’ reform agenda. The Travelers support is targeted at programs that increase college readiness and access for underrepresented students as well as principal leadership training. Additionally, through Travelers EDGE, which stands for Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, the company has partnered with Twin Cities colleges and community organizations to help remove the barriers to college that underrepresented students face.
“Challenging Expectations” will air on tpt2 at 4 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 20, and on tptMN on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. “Challenging Expectations: Youth Voices” will air on tptMN on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. Both programs will also be accessible through YouTube at www.youtube.com/tpteducation.
“The documentary was created as a tool for the community,” said Bergin. “We encourage educators, parents, students and community groups to share the program and begin a dialogue that will lead to change within our educational system and access to higher education for all students.”
About Travelers
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has 33,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
###
*Wilder Foundation
Media Contact:
Erin Haberman
Travelers
860.277.3617
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Commemorates 46th Anniversary of March on Washington and Helps Launch “Kids for King”
More
(Washington, D.C., August 25, 2009) — U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. today commemorated the 46th anniversary of the March on Washington and launched the Kids for King Education Initiative during a live event on the National Mall.
Challenge to Country’s Youth to Submit Essay, Artwork,
Video about Dr. King and How to Create a Better America
(Washington, D.C., August 25, 2009) – U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. today commemorated the 46th anniversary of the March on Washington and launched the Kids for King Education Initiative during a live event on the National Mall. Earlier this year, The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced a $1.25 million donation to the Memorial Foundation to support the building of the Memorial and to spearhead the Memorial Foundation’s Kids for King Education Initiative.
In addition to Secretary Duncan, the August 25th speaking line-up included: Harry E. Johnson, Sr., President and CEO, Memorial Foundation; Brian W. MacLean, President and COO, Travelers; Byron V. Garrett, CEO, The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA); Dennis Van Roekel, President, the National Education Association (NEA); and Kym Hampton, WNBA Legend. Sam Ford ABC 7 / WJLA-TV news journalist served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We must never forget the progress that Dr. King inspired in civil rights and social justice, and we must recognize how much work is still ahead of us,” said Duncan. “With high school drop-out rates unacceptably high and college completion rates far too low, education is clearly the civil rights issue of this generation. Every child and adult deserves a quality education. This is the only lasting way to fuel our economic recovery and end stubborn cycles of poverty and social failure.”
The Kids for King initiative will inspire youth from grades 3-12 to write an essay, create a piece of art, or produce a short video about the lasting legacy of Dr. King and his ideals of democracy, justice, hope, and love. The program also contains a lesson plan for teachers and parents to educate the youth about Dr. King. Three lesson plans have been developed, including plans for 3-5 grades, 6-8 grades, and 9-12 grades. The PTA, the NEA, YRC Worldwide, Inc., and The LEAGUE will also support the Kids for King initiative.
The year-long program will culminate in Fall 2010, when nine students will win a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a live press event on the National Mall. Complimentary meals, travel, and hotel accommodations will be provided for each student and a parent/chaperone. Each Kids for King Education Initiative entrant will receive a blue Build the Dream wristband. To learn more about the program visit www.kidsforking.org.
“Travelers is proud to sponsor the Kids for King Education Initiative,” said Brian W. MacLean, President and COO, Travelers. “As a company, we are committed to investing in education and we believe in the importance of teaching Dr. King’s vision. Kids for King is an excellent mechanism for both teachers and parents to educate today’s youth about Dr. King and his ideals.”
In addition to collaborating with the Memorial Foundation on the development of the Kids for King curriculum, Travelers will encourage public schools in cities where the company has significant operations to participate in the initiative. Travelers employees will also serve on the judging panel that selects the national finalists.
In addition to fulfilling its $1 million pledge to financially support the construction of the Memorial, the NEA will distribute the Kids for King curriculum to its members through online communication and during Black History month and beyond. The NEA will also encourage the use of Kids for King in classrooms and ask teachers to challenge their students to participate in the art, essay, and video contest.
The PTA will encourage schools to use the Kids for King curriculum and engage students in learning about Dr. King through its web site, email newsletters, and other communication activities.
The LEAGUE will support Kids for King by providing resources about the initiative in its King Day Service Project Toolkit which is available to all LEAGUE Service Coaches nationwide. Kids for King will further help LEAGUE Service Coaches raise their students knowledge and awareness of Dr. King; not only honoring his legacy but also building social capital and empowering students to practice acts of kindness and advocacy.
YRC Worldwide, Inc. a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest transportation service providers in the world, will promote Kids for King on 40 foot trailers that will be driven around the country.
“We challenge every teacher, parent, and youth leader to make Dr. King’s legacy relevant to this generation and to explain the importance of building a lasting memorial to honor this legacy. I call on the youth of America to express your ideas about Dr. King by sharing an essay, a piece of art work, or a video about why Dr. King is important to you,” said Harry Johnson, Sr., President and CEO, Memorial Foundation.
The Memorial Foundation has raised $104 million out of the needed $120 million to build the Memorial. Travelers joins the following major donors to the Memorial: General Motors, Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, NBA/WNBA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Walt Disney Company Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Ford Motor Fund, Toyota, AARP, AFLAC, Boeing, Inc., BP America, Inc., CIGNA, Credit Unions of the United States, DuPont, ExxonMobil Foundation, Fannie Mae Corporation, FedEx Corporation, GE, Ann and Joel Horowitz Family Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Sheila C. Johnson-Newman, Lehman Brothers, George Lucas, MacFarlane Partners, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation, MetLife Foundation, National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Education Association (NEA), Nationwide Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Pfizer Foundation, Prudential Financial, Inc., Shell Oil Company, State Farm Insurance, Verizon Foundation, Viacom, Wal-Mart and Morehouse College, among others.
About the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.
A Memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be built on the National Mall, situated adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a Memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, D.C. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place on November 13, 2006, and the Memorial will be completed in 2011. McKissack & McKissack / Turner Construction Company/ Gilford Corporation / Tompkins Builders, Inc. Joint Venture will serve as the Design-Build Team. McKissack & McKissack is the oldest minority-owned architectural firm in the United States. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.buildthedream.org.
About Travelers
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has 33,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
(Washington, D.C., August 25, 2009) – U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. today commemorated the 46th anniversary of the March on Washington and launched the Kids for King Education Initiative during a live event on the National Mall. Earlier this year, The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced a $1.25 million donation to the Memorial Foundation to support the building of the Memorial and to spearhead the Memorial Foundation’s Kids for King Education Initiative.
In addition to Secretary Duncan, the August 25th speaking line-up included: Harry E. Johnson, Sr., President and CEO, Memorial Foundation; Brian W. MacLean, President and COO, Travelers; Byron V. Garrett, CEO, The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA); Dennis Van Roekel, President, the National Education Association (NEA); and Kym Hampton, WNBA Legend. Sam Ford ABC 7 / WJLA-TV news journalist served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We must never forget the progress that Dr. King inspired in civil rights and social justice, and we must recognize how much work is still ahead of us,” said Duncan. “With high school drop-out rates unacceptably high and college completion rates far too low, education is clearly the civil rights issue of this generation. Every child and adult deserves a quality education. This is the only lasting way to fuel our economic recovery and end stubborn cycles of poverty and social failure.”
The Kids for King initiative will inspire youth from grades 3-12 to write an essay, create a piece of art, or produce a short video about the lasting legacy of Dr. King and his ideals of democracy, justice, hope, and love. The program also contains a lesson plan for teachers and parents to educate the youth about Dr. King. Three lesson plans have been developed, including plans for 3-5 grades, 6-8 grades, and 9-12 grades. The PTA, the NEA, YRC Worldwide, Inc., and The LEAGUE will also support the Kids for King initiative.
The year-long program will culminate in Fall 2010, when nine students will win a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a live press event on the National Mall. Complimentary meals, travel, and hotel accommodations will be provided for each student and a parent/chaperone. Each Kids for King Education Initiative entrant will receive a blue Build the Dream wristband. To learn more about the program visit www.kidsforking.org.
“Travelers is proud to sponsor the Kids for King Education Initiative,” said Brian W. MacLean, President and COO, Travelers. “As a company, we are committed to investing in education and we believe in the importance of teaching Dr. King’s vision. Kids for King is an excellent mechanism for both teachers and parents to educate today’s youth about Dr. King and his ideals.”
In addition to collaborating with the Memorial Foundation on the development of the Kids for King curriculum, Travelers will encourage public schools in cities where the company has significant operations to participate in the initiative. Travelers employees will also serve on the judging panel that selects the national finalists.
In addition to fulfilling its $1 million pledge to financially support the construction of the Memorial, the NEA will distribute the Kids for King curriculum to its members through online communication and during Black History month and beyond. The NEA will also encourage the use of Kids for King in classrooms and ask teachers to challenge their students to participate in the art, essay, and video contest.
The PTA will encourage schools to use the Kids for King curriculum and engage students in learning about Dr. King through its web site, email newsletters, and other communication activities.
The LEAGUE will support Kids for King by providing resources about the initiative in its King Day Service Project Toolkit which is available to all LEAGUE Service Coaches nationwide. Kids for King will further help LEAGUE Service Coaches raise their students knowledge and awareness of Dr. King; not only honoring his legacy but also building social capital and empowering students to practice acts of kindness and advocacy.
YRC Worldwide, Inc. a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest transportation service providers in the world, will promote Kids for King on 40 foot trailers that will be driven around the country.
“We challenge every teacher, parent, and youth leader to make Dr. King’s legacy relevant to this generation and to explain the importance of building a lasting memorial to honor this legacy. I call on the youth of America to express your ideas about Dr. King by sharing an essay, a piece of art work, or a video about why Dr. King is important to you,” said Harry Johnson, Sr., President and CEO, Memorial Foundation.
The Memorial Foundation has raised $104 million out of the needed $120 million to build the Memorial. Travelers joins the following major donors to the Memorial: General Motors, Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, NBA/WNBA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Walt Disney Company Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Ford Motor Fund, Toyota, AARP, AFLAC, Boeing, Inc., BP America, Inc., CIGNA, Credit Unions of the United States, DuPont, ExxonMobil Foundation, Fannie Mae Corporation, FedEx Corporation, GE, Ann and Joel Horowitz Family Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Sheila C. Johnson-Newman, Lehman Brothers, George Lucas, MacFarlane Partners, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation, MetLife Foundation, National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Education Association (NEA), Nationwide Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Pfizer Foundation, Prudential Financial, Inc., Shell Oil Company, State Farm Insurance, Verizon Foundation, Viacom, Wal-Mart and Morehouse College, among others.
About the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.
A Memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be built on the National Mall, situated adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a Memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, D.C. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place on November 13, 2006, and the Memorial will be completed in 2011. McKissack & McKissack / Turner Construction Company/ Gilford Corporation / Tompkins Builders, Inc. Joint Venture will serve as the Design-Build Team. McKissack & McKissack is the oldest minority-owned architectural firm in the United States. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.buildthedream.org.
About Travelers
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has 33,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
Travelers Awards College Scholarships to Baltimore City Students
More
BALTIMORE, July 23, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc., (NYSE: TRV) today officially announced its partnership with the CollegeBound Foundation as part of Travelers EDGE: Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that many low-income, first generation students face, especially in Baltimore City.
Launches Partnership with CollegeBound Foundation and Morgan
State University
BALTIMORE, July 23, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc., (NYSE: TRV) today officially announced its partnership with the CollegeBound Foundation as part of Travelers EDGE: Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that many low-income, first generation students face, especially in Baltimore City.
One of the top 50 largest school districts throughout the country, Baltimore City High School reported graduation rates in 2007-2008 (62.6 percent) were the highest they have been in 10 years. However, to help bridge the gap from high school to college and to further enhance the success of students in the Baltimore community, Travelers has partnered with CollegeBound to support the organization’s “Pipeline from High School to College to Work” program. Specifically, Travelers has provided a $350,000 grant to aid the following initiatives:
“Through this collaborative partnership, we want to empower and provide the needed resources to disadvantaged Baltimore students to further their education and attend college,” said Jimmy Tadlock, Program Director, CollegeBound Foundation. “We’re grateful to Travelers, as they not only help make it possible for students to achieve a secondary education, but the company understands the true power that education has to build a stronger workforce and community.”
Travelers EDGE provides a holistic approach to education through partnerships with colleges, universities, and community-based programs, like CollegeBound, to help increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college. Once students are enrolled in college, they benefit from scholarship support and a combination of professional development and mentorship opportunities to build an awareness of, and to help them access careers in, insurance and financial services.
“At Travelers, our mission is to alleviate obstacles unique to underrepresented students and better prepare them to enter college so that they are able to compete on an equal level with their peers,” said Marlene Ibsen, Vice President of Travelers Community Relations. “Together, with CollegeBound and Morgan State University, we’ve structured a comprehensive program that will not only bridge the expanding gap to college, but will also position students for success throughout their collegiate experience and well into their career.”
Travelers EDGE programs are also in place in Connecticut through partnerships with the University of Connecticut, Capital Community College, Career Beginnings and CPEP, as well as in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan State University, the Page Education Foundation and Admission Possible.
For more information on Travelers EDGE or other community relations initiatives, visit www.TravelersCRpresskit.com.
About Travelers
Travelers (NYSE: TRV), is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers’ community giving is focused on community development, education and the arts. The company’s employees are consistently active in community initiatives and give thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
About CollegeBound Foundation
Established in 1988, the CollegeBound Foundation mission is to encourage and enable Baltimore City youth to go to college. Its college-access program places College Access Program Specialists (CAPS) in Baltimore's public schools. CollegeBound encourages students to take the SAT, assists with college selection, helps fill out financial aid forms, provides fee waivers for college access tests and applications, advises on the entire college admissions process, chaperones and funds campus visits, and awards eligible students last-dollar funding. The broader goal is to prepare students to be members of Baltimore’s workforce and to contribute to the strengthening of the social and economic fabric of the city.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617, or
860.305.9130
BALTIMORE, July 23, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc., (NYSE: TRV) today officially announced its partnership with the CollegeBound Foundation as part of Travelers EDGE: Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that many low-income, first generation students face, especially in Baltimore City.
One of the top 50 largest school districts throughout the country, Baltimore City High School reported graduation rates in 2007-2008 (62.6 percent) were the highest they have been in 10 years. However, to help bridge the gap from high school to college and to further enhance the success of students in the Baltimore community, Travelers has partnered with CollegeBound to support the organization’s “Pipeline from High School to College to Work” program. Specifically, Travelers has provided a $350,000 grant to aid the following initiatives:
-
- Travelers Scholars – Up to 12 Last Dollar Scholarships to CollegeBound students who choose to continue their education at Morgan State University, a Travelers EDGE partner college. The scholarships will provide five years of support at the $5,000 level.
-
- College Retention Program – This five-year program will help to improve CollegeBound students’ college graduation rate from 40 percent to 80 percent. The Harvard University Graduate School of Education has initiated a longitudinal study to evaluate this project, to measure the treatment effect of a comprehensive college retention program.
-
- CollegeBound Scholar of the Week – For 2009 and 2010, Travelers will sponsor weekly television promotions highlighting select CollegeBound Scholars.
-
“Through this collaborative partnership, we want to empower and provide the needed resources to disadvantaged Baltimore students to further their education and attend college,” said Jimmy Tadlock, Program Director, CollegeBound Foundation. “We’re grateful to Travelers, as they not only help make it possible for students to achieve a secondary education, but the company understands the true power that education has to build a stronger workforce and community.”
Travelers EDGE provides a holistic approach to education through partnerships with colleges, universities, and community-based programs, like CollegeBound, to help increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college. Once students are enrolled in college, they benefit from scholarship support and a combination of professional development and mentorship opportunities to build an awareness of, and to help them access careers in, insurance and financial services.
“At Travelers, our mission is to alleviate obstacles unique to underrepresented students and better prepare them to enter college so that they are able to compete on an equal level with their peers,” said Marlene Ibsen, Vice President of Travelers Community Relations. “Together, with CollegeBound and Morgan State University, we’ve structured a comprehensive program that will not only bridge the expanding gap to college, but will also position students for success throughout their collegiate experience and well into their career.”
Travelers EDGE programs are also in place in Connecticut through partnerships with the University of Connecticut, Capital Community College, Career Beginnings and CPEP, as well as in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan State University, the Page Education Foundation and Admission Possible.
For more information on Travelers EDGE or other community relations initiatives, visit www.TravelersCRpresskit.com.
About Travelers
Travelers (NYSE: TRV), is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers’ community giving is focused on community development, education and the arts. The company’s employees are consistently active in community initiatives and give thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
About CollegeBound Foundation
Established in 1988, the CollegeBound Foundation mission is to encourage and enable Baltimore City youth to go to college. Its college-access program places College Access Program Specialists (CAPS) in Baltimore's public schools. CollegeBound encourages students to take the SAT, assists with college selection, helps fill out financial aid forms, provides fee waivers for college access tests and applications, advises on the entire college admissions process, chaperones and funds campus visits, and awards eligible students last-dollar funding. The broader goal is to prepare students to be members of Baltimore’s workforce and to contribute to the strengthening of the social and economic fabric of the city.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617, or
860.305.9130
Travelers 2008 Charitable Contributions Exceed $19 Million
More
SAINT PAUL, February 23, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. and its private foundation, the Travelers Foundation, provided more than $19 million in community support across the country in fiscal year 2008.
SAINT PAUL, February 23, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. and
its private foundation, the Travelers Foundation, provided more
than $19 million in community support across the country in fiscal
year 2008. Travelers has a long history of giving back to the
communities where it does business and collaborating with
community-based nonprofit organizations related to education,
community development and the arts to increase quality of life for
underserved populations.
Education
Travelers supports initiatives that improve academic and career success for underrepresented youth. In 2008, the company expanded its Education Access Initiative, a program designed to remove the barriers to college many low-income, first generation students face, to the University of Connecticut and Morgan State University in Baltimore. Additionally, the company announced that beginning in 2009, an increasing portion of charitable giving in Saint Paul, Minn., and Hartford, Conn., will be focused on public education reform and improving academic and career success for underrepresented youth.
“Travelers believes a quality education can break down barriers and provide limitless long-term opportunity,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President of the Travelers Foundation. “We are committed to ensuring that the students in our key communities are poised to successfully transition to post-secondary education and to launch meaningful careers. Today’s students are our future workforce. The health of our businesses and our communities depends on an educated population.”
Examples of more than $6 million in grants that improve academic and career success include:
Ensuring the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work is a priority for Travelers. The company supports organizations that create and maintain stability in local neighborhoods through small business development, affordable housing and job readiness training. “At Travelers we believe building successful communities begins with creating opportunities in housing and economic development,” said Ibsen. Highlights of the $4 million in community development giving include:
Travelers supports arts and culture organizations that contribute directly to academic learning and access for low-income and underserved communities. “The arts bring vibrancy to our communities, enhance learning and build multi-cultural understanding,” said Ibsen. Examples of nearly $2.5 million in arts program supported include:
About Travelers
Travelers provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation. Travelers (NYSE: TRV), is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers’ community giving remains focused on community development, education and the arts. The company’s employees are consistently active in community initiatives and give thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Education
Travelers supports initiatives that improve academic and career success for underrepresented youth. In 2008, the company expanded its Education Access Initiative, a program designed to remove the barriers to college many low-income, first generation students face, to the University of Connecticut and Morgan State University in Baltimore. Additionally, the company announced that beginning in 2009, an increasing portion of charitable giving in Saint Paul, Minn., and Hartford, Conn., will be focused on public education reform and improving academic and career success for underrepresented youth.
“Travelers believes a quality education can break down barriers and provide limitless long-term opportunity,” said Marlene Ibsen, CEO & President of the Travelers Foundation. “We are committed to ensuring that the students in our key communities are poised to successfully transition to post-secondary education and to launch meaningful careers. Today’s students are our future workforce. The health of our businesses and our communities depends on an educated population.”
Examples of more than $6 million in grants that improve academic and career success include:
- A $205,000 grant to the Minnesota Private College Fund for the Urban Education Scholars Program, designed to increase the numbers of teachers of color in the Saint Paul and Minneapolis schools.
- A $150,000 grant to support Achieve Hartford!, an organization working with the Hartford Public Schools to effect lasting improvements.
- $25,000 in funding to the Children's Storefront in New York City to support after-school and summer academic enrichment programs for low-income students.
Ensuring the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work is a priority for Travelers. The company supports organizations that create and maintain stability in local neighborhoods through small business development, affordable housing and job readiness training. “At Travelers we believe building successful communities begins with creating opportunities in housing and economic development,” said Ibsen. Highlights of the $4 million in community development giving include:
- A $125,000 grant to the Family Housing Fund in the Twin Cities to fund a network of support services to help people transitioning from homelessness.
- $100,000 in funding to the South Arsenal Neighborhood Development Corporation (SAND) for zero-net-energy housing in urban areas.
- A $25,000 grant to Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago to support efforts to broaden housing opportunities for low and moderate income families.
Travelers supports arts and culture organizations that contribute directly to academic learning and access for low-income and underserved communities. “The arts bring vibrancy to our communities, enhance learning and build multi-cultural understanding,” said Ibsen. Examples of nearly $2.5 million in arts program supported include:
- $25,000 in support to Project SUCCESS, a Twin Cities program focused on arts education and college access designed to help students develop a sense of self and career aspirations.
- A $40,000 grant to Musical Dialogues, a program of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra specifically targeted to the African American and Latino communities to provide an interaction between Hartford Symphony Orchestra soloists and a diverse audience.
- $15,000 in funding to the Baltimore School for the Arts to support arts education programming for low-income families through the TWIGS program.
About Travelers
Travelers provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation. Travelers (NYSE: TRV), is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers’ community giving remains focused on community development, education and the arts. The company’s employees are consistently active in community initiatives and give thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Travelers Steps up Investment In Hartford Public Schools
More
HARTFORD, January 29, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced today a substantial commitment to public education reform in Hartford, Conn. and St. Paul, Minn.
HARTFORD, January 29, 2009 - 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.”
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Medina Director of External
Communications Hartford Public Schools
860-695-8862
MEDID001@hartfordschools.org
Erin Haberman
Corporate Communications The Travelers Companies,Inc.
860-277-3617
ehaberma@travelers.com
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.”
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Medina Director of External
Communications Hartford Public Schools
860-695-8862
MEDID001@hartfordschools.org
Erin Haberman
Corporate Communications The Travelers Companies,Inc.
860-277-3617
ehaberma@travelers.com
Travelers Steps Up Investment in Saint Paul Public Schools
More
SAINT PAUL, January 28, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. will collaborate with Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) to advance public education reform, officials announced this morning at Highland Park Senior High School.
SAINT PAUL, January 28, 2009 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. will
collaborate with Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) to advance public
education reform, officials announced this morning at Highland Park
Senior High School. Through grants to SPPS and other strategic
service providers for this effort, Travelers will support a few key
initiatives that, when combined, will represent approximately $1.4
million. Travelers will back SPPS initiatives that aggressively
reduce the achievement gap and measurably increase academic and
career success for underrepresented students.
The announcement is the first of several expected in the coming weeks from Strategic Priority Partners who were named during Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen’s State of the District address. The Travelers support will promote college readiness and access for underrepresented students and leadership development for school principals.
“This partnership ushers in a new era for how our corporations and businesses work with and support critical initiatives in Saint Paul Public Schools,” Carstarphen said. “Collaborations like the partnership with Travelers will move us toward long-term solutions.”
“We believe in Superintendent Carstarphen’s improvement plan and we intend to support it with our dollars and our large base of employee volunteers,” said Andy Bessette, executive vice president and Chief Administrative Officer. “Our goal is to help build a sustainable system that will ensure a quality education for future generations.”
A majority of the funds are expected to be dedicated to expanding the successful Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which is now incorporated into 11 secondary schools. AVID gives traditionally underrepresented students the skills, preparation and encouragement needed to successfully continue their education after high school.
The project will train approximately 750 teachers elementary teachers and 112 secondary teachers to help expand the program over the next five years. It is expected that the project to expand AVID will ultimately serve a total of 5,640 elementary and 800 secondary students annually.
Support from Travelers also will fund systemic leadership development and principal leadership development efforts focused on student achievement and strategic planning. Funding will support efforts such as principal leadership development programming based on the nationally recognized National Institute for School Leadership model.
The goal of the AVID expansion to elementary students is to increase student performance, attendance and other academic indicators while decreasing gaps in attendance rates. Travelers’ direct support of SPPS and the AVID program goes to the company’s goal of working to effect meaningful change.
“The students we’re helping are our future workforce,” Bessette said. “The quality of life in our communities, and the health of our business, depends on an educated population.”
“In the challenging financial times facing the country, state and SPPS, it is creative and pro-active collaborations like the partnership with Travelers which will ensure that SPPS is strong and focused for years to come,” Carstarphen said.
“This is about working together to close achievement gaps and ensuring that our students can truly graduate to something great,” she said. “That is the epitome of shared accountability and bringing belief into action.”
###
NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: For more information about SPPS, please go to the District’s home webpage, www.spss.org. For more information about The Travelers Companies, Inc., please go to www.travelers.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Office of Community Relations
360 Colborne Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102-3299
Howie Padilla
(651) 767-8104
Travelers Corporate Communications
385 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 5510
Erin Haberman
(860) 277-3617
The announcement is the first of several expected in the coming weeks from Strategic Priority Partners who were named during Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen’s State of the District address. The Travelers support will promote college readiness and access for underrepresented students and leadership development for school principals.
“This partnership ushers in a new era for how our corporations and businesses work with and support critical initiatives in Saint Paul Public Schools,” Carstarphen said. “Collaborations like the partnership with Travelers will move us toward long-term solutions.”
“We believe in Superintendent Carstarphen’s improvement plan and we intend to support it with our dollars and our large base of employee volunteers,” said Andy Bessette, executive vice president and Chief Administrative Officer. “Our goal is to help build a sustainable system that will ensure a quality education for future generations.”
A majority of the funds are expected to be dedicated to expanding the successful Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which is now incorporated into 11 secondary schools. AVID gives traditionally underrepresented students the skills, preparation and encouragement needed to successfully continue their education after high school.
The project will train approximately 750 teachers elementary teachers and 112 secondary teachers to help expand the program over the next five years. It is expected that the project to expand AVID will ultimately serve a total of 5,640 elementary and 800 secondary students annually.
Support from Travelers also will fund systemic leadership development and principal leadership development efforts focused on student achievement and strategic planning. Funding will support efforts such as principal leadership development programming based on the nationally recognized National Institute for School Leadership model.
The goal of the AVID expansion to elementary students is to increase student performance, attendance and other academic indicators while decreasing gaps in attendance rates. Travelers’ direct support of SPPS and the AVID program goes to the company’s goal of working to effect meaningful change.
“The students we’re helping are our future workforce,” Bessette said. “The quality of life in our communities, and the health of our business, depends on an educated population.”
“In the challenging financial times facing the country, state and SPPS, it is creative and pro-active collaborations like the partnership with Travelers which will ensure that SPPS is strong and focused for years to come,” Carstarphen said.
“This is about working together to close achievement gaps and ensuring that our students can truly graduate to something great,” she said. “That is the epitome of shared accountability and bringing belief into action.”
###
NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: For more information about SPPS, please go to the District’s home webpage, www.spss.org. For more information about The Travelers Companies, Inc., please go to www.travelers.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Office of Community Relations
360 Colborne Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102-3299
Howie Padilla
(651) 767-8104
Travelers Corporate Communications
385 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 5510
Erin Haberman
(860) 277-3617
Martin Luther King Jr. National Foundation Announces $1.25 Million Gift from Travelers
More
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 17, 2009 - The leadership of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. announced today a $1.25 million donation from The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Company to Sponsor Kids for King Program
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 17, 2009 - The leadership of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. announced today a $1.25 million donation from The Travelers Companies, Inc. The company’s gift will help build the four-acre memorial on the National Mall and provide support for Kids for King, an educational outreach program to schools throughout the country that will culminate with the dedication of the memorial in 2010.
"I am pleased to welcome Travelers to the list of supporters to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial," says Harry E. Johnson, Senior, President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. "Now is the time to make history, now is the time for other corporations and all Americans to follow in the footsteps of Travelers, to play a role in building a lasting memorial to Dr. King and the ideals of hope, democracy, love and peace for which he stood."
“Travelers is proud to support the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial,” says Jay Fishman, Travelers chairman and CEO. “As a company we aspire to live up to Dr. King’s vision and provide equal access to opportunity to all employees. The memorial will provide a permanent mechanism to educate visitors to our nation’s capital on Dr. King’s legacy and the values that empowered his leadership. In addition, this gift helps reflect our company’s strategic focus on diversity and extend our ongoing community investment in education.”
Travelers joins the following major donors to the Memorial: General Motors, Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, NBA/WNBA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Walt Disney Company Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Ford Motor Fund, Toyota, AARP, AFLAC, BP America, Inc., CIGNA, Credit Unions of the United States, DuPont, ExxonMobil Foundation, Fannie Mae Corporation, FedEx Corporation, GE, Ann and Joel Horowitz Family Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Sheila C. Johnson-Newman, Lehman Brothers, George Lucas, MacFarlane Partners, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation, MetLife Foundation, National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Education Association (NEA), Nationwide Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Pfizer Foundation, Prudential Financial, Inc., Shell Oil Company, State Farm Insurance, Verizon Foundation, Viacom, Wal-Mart and Morehouse College, among others.
About the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.
A Memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be built on the National Mall, situated adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a Memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, D.C. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place on November 13, 2006 and the Memorial will be completed in 2010. McKissack & McKissack / Turner Construction Company/ Gilford Corporation / Tompkins Builders, Inc. Joint Venture will serve as the Design-Build Team. McKissack & McKissack is the oldest minority-owned architectural firm in the United States. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.buildthedream.org.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of approximately $26 billion. The company has more than 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rica Orszag
Washington, DC
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial
Project Foundation, Inc.
(202) 253 8974
rorszag@mlkmemorial.org
Erin Haberman
Travelers
860.277.3617
ehaberman@travelers.com
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 17, 2009 - The leadership of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. announced today a $1.25 million donation from The Travelers Companies, Inc. The company’s gift will help build the four-acre memorial on the National Mall and provide support for Kids for King, an educational outreach program to schools throughout the country that will culminate with the dedication of the memorial in 2010.
"I am pleased to welcome Travelers to the list of supporters to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial," says Harry E. Johnson, Senior, President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. "Now is the time to make history, now is the time for other corporations and all Americans to follow in the footsteps of Travelers, to play a role in building a lasting memorial to Dr. King and the ideals of hope, democracy, love and peace for which he stood."
“Travelers is proud to support the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial,” says Jay Fishman, Travelers chairman and CEO. “As a company we aspire to live up to Dr. King’s vision and provide equal access to opportunity to all employees. The memorial will provide a permanent mechanism to educate visitors to our nation’s capital on Dr. King’s legacy and the values that empowered his leadership. In addition, this gift helps reflect our company’s strategic focus on diversity and extend our ongoing community investment in education.”
Travelers joins the following major donors to the Memorial: General Motors, Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, NBA/WNBA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Walt Disney Company Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Ford Motor Fund, Toyota, AARP, AFLAC, BP America, Inc., CIGNA, Credit Unions of the United States, DuPont, ExxonMobil Foundation, Fannie Mae Corporation, FedEx Corporation, GE, Ann and Joel Horowitz Family Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Sheila C. Johnson-Newman, Lehman Brothers, George Lucas, MacFarlane Partners, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation, MetLife Foundation, National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Education Association (NEA), Nationwide Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Pfizer Foundation, Prudential Financial, Inc., Shell Oil Company, State Farm Insurance, Verizon Foundation, Viacom, Wal-Mart and Morehouse College, among others.
About the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.
A Memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be built on the National Mall, situated adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a Memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, D.C. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place on November 13, 2006 and the Memorial will be completed in 2010. McKissack & McKissack / Turner Construction Company/ Gilford Corporation / Tompkins Builders, Inc. Joint Venture will serve as the Design-Build Team. McKissack & McKissack is the oldest minority-owned architectural firm in the United States. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.buildthedream.org.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of approximately $26 billion. The company has more than 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rica Orszag
Washington, DC
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial
Project Foundation, Inc.
(202) 253 8974
rorszag@mlkmemorial.org
Erin Haberman
Travelers
860.277.3617
ehaberman@travelers.com
Travelers Sponsors Documentary "Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel"
More
HARTFORD, May 20, 2008 - It's a well known fact that, statistically, newly licensed teen drivers have higher crash and traffic violation rates.
Company Partners with CPTV to Help Parents Keep Teen
Drivers Safe
HARTFORD, May 20, 2008 - It’s a well known fact that, statistically, newly licensed teen drivers have higher crash and traffic violation rates. What may be surprising is the role their parents’ driving record plays. The soon to be released Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) documentary, “Parents and Teens: Behind the Wheel,” explores the behavioral influence parental driving has on teenagers. Funded by Travelers, the documentary will premiere at Travelers Claim University on Wednesday, May 21.
“Travelers is concerned about the number of teen driving crashes across the country,” says Marlene Ibsen, vice president of Community Relations, Travelers. “We’ve sponsored ‘Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel’ because we’re committed to helping parents improve the safety of teen drivers. We feel the documentary demonstrates that safe teen driving is a partnership between the parent and the teen.”
Travelers has been long dedicated to educating the public on safe driving. The company has partnered with CPTV to offer a number of documentaries, including the award-winning “Teens Behind the Wheel” in 2005. Clips of “Teens Behind the Wheel” can be viewed by visiting www.travelers.com. Additionally, Travelers has a representative on the Connecticut Governor’s Teen Driving Task Force and the New Jersey Governor’s Teen Driving Study Commission.
“It is because of Travelers we are able to produce and air programs about safe driving,” says Jerry Franklin, president and CEO, CPTV. “These programs have served as wonderful educational tools to many different organizations across the country.”
“Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel” follows five families over the course of six months, documenting the real-life issues they face as parents adjust to being the passenger and the teen is in control behind the wheel. The program also examines how teen driving habits are formed. From glimpses into parental driving, one industry expert interviewed for the film was able to accurately identify which parent belonged to which child simply by looking at turning techniques and following patterns, raising the point that from a very early age children are watching what their parents do behind the wheel. Industry experts also weigh in on teenage brain development and their ability to anticipate events that might be hazardous on the road.
For more information about Travelers, and to view clips from the upcoming “Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel” and “Teens Behind the Wheel,” visit www.travelers.com. To view “Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel” in its entirety, tune into CPTV at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27.
About Travelers
Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve agents, brokers and policyholders is to deliver insurance that evolves to stay in-synch with life and business as they change. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurance company selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of insurance coverage in both the personal and commercial settings, including auto, homeowners, construction, small business, oil and gas, ocean marine, surety and management liability, global technology and public sector services. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of $26 billion and total assets of $115 billion. The company has approximately 33,000 employees.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.7461
HARTFORD, May 20, 2008 - It’s a well known fact that, statistically, newly licensed teen drivers have higher crash and traffic violation rates. What may be surprising is the role their parents’ driving record plays. The soon to be released Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) documentary, “Parents and Teens: Behind the Wheel,” explores the behavioral influence parental driving has on teenagers. Funded by Travelers, the documentary will premiere at Travelers Claim University on Wednesday, May 21.
“Travelers is concerned about the number of teen driving crashes across the country,” says Marlene Ibsen, vice president of Community Relations, Travelers. “We’ve sponsored ‘Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel’ because we’re committed to helping parents improve the safety of teen drivers. We feel the documentary demonstrates that safe teen driving is a partnership between the parent and the teen.”
Travelers has been long dedicated to educating the public on safe driving. The company has partnered with CPTV to offer a number of documentaries, including the award-winning “Teens Behind the Wheel” in 2005. Clips of “Teens Behind the Wheel” can be viewed by visiting www.travelers.com. Additionally, Travelers has a representative on the Connecticut Governor’s Teen Driving Task Force and the New Jersey Governor’s Teen Driving Study Commission.
“It is because of Travelers we are able to produce and air programs about safe driving,” says Jerry Franklin, president and CEO, CPTV. “These programs have served as wonderful educational tools to many different organizations across the country.”
“Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel” follows five families over the course of six months, documenting the real-life issues they face as parents adjust to being the passenger and the teen is in control behind the wheel. The program also examines how teen driving habits are formed. From glimpses into parental driving, one industry expert interviewed for the film was able to accurately identify which parent belonged to which child simply by looking at turning techniques and following patterns, raising the point that from a very early age children are watching what their parents do behind the wheel. Industry experts also weigh in on teenage brain development and their ability to anticipate events that might be hazardous on the road.
For more information about Travelers, and to view clips from the upcoming “Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel” and “Teens Behind the Wheel,” visit www.travelers.com. To view “Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel” in its entirety, tune into CPTV at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27.
About Travelers
Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve agents, brokers and policyholders is to deliver insurance that evolves to stay in-synch with life and business as they change. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurance company selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of insurance coverage in both the personal and commercial settings, including auto, homeowners, construction, small business, oil and gas, ocean marine, surety and management liability, global technology and public sector services. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of $26 billion and total assets of $115 billion. The company has approximately 33,000 employees.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.7461
Travelers Announces Education Access Initiative
More
SAINT PAUL, October 22, 2008 - National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the public educational system.
Partners Convening in Baltimore for Inaugural Symposium
SAINT PAUL, October 22, 2008 - National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the public educational system. This growing population of students is less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary education and complete a college degree.* As such, Travelers (NYSE:TRV) today announced its newest Education Access Initiative partnership with Morgan State University at the company’s partners symposium in Baltimore.
“Travelers recognizes that it is our responsibility to invest in ways that will contribute to a positive future for our communities,” said Marlene Ibsen, vice president of Community Relations, Travelers. “Students who will become the workforce of the future will benefit from our investment. Our business will benefit from our ability to recruit from a diverse pool of talented candidates. Communities will benefit as young citizens become effectively engaged in their own future.”
Launched in 2007, the Travelers Education Access Initiative (TEAI) provides an innovative, holistic approach to education. Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based organizations, the company is increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.
One of the first partnerships established was with Capital Community College in Hartford, Conn. “Every fall hundreds of Capital students become the first member of their family to attend college,” says Dr. Calvin Woodland, president, Capital Community College. “These first-generation college students shoulder many responsibilities, juggling school with family duties and work. TEAI is not only providing these students with the chance to excel academically but with a competitive edge to career success. The opportunities Travelers presents to our students are truly opening doors and changing lives."
TEAI strives to:
“The students we are targeting face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work,” says Ibsen. “Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available,” says Ibsen. “We believe that TEAI provides the comprehensive approach that will be the formula for success for traditionally underrepresented students.”
To date, programs are in place in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Page Education Foundation, Admission Possible and Metropolitan State University; in Maryland through Morgan State University and CollegeBound; and in Connecticut with Capital Community College, Career Beginnings, CPEP and the University of Connecticut.
On October 22 and 23, 2008, all college, university and community partners will come together in Baltimore at the inaugural partners symposium to network and share best practices.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), a leading auto, home and business insurer, provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
* Education Commission of the States, Closing the College Participation Gap – A National Summary, October 2003.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
SAINT PAUL, October 22, 2008 - National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the public educational system. This growing population of students is less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary education and complete a college degree.* As such, Travelers (NYSE:TRV) today announced its newest Education Access Initiative partnership with Morgan State University at the company’s partners symposium in Baltimore.
“Travelers recognizes that it is our responsibility to invest in ways that will contribute to a positive future for our communities,” said Marlene Ibsen, vice president of Community Relations, Travelers. “Students who will become the workforce of the future will benefit from our investment. Our business will benefit from our ability to recruit from a diverse pool of talented candidates. Communities will benefit as young citizens become effectively engaged in their own future.”
Launched in 2007, the Travelers Education Access Initiative (TEAI) provides an innovative, holistic approach to education. Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based organizations, the company is increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.
One of the first partnerships established was with Capital Community College in Hartford, Conn. “Every fall hundreds of Capital students become the first member of their family to attend college,” says Dr. Calvin Woodland, president, Capital Community College. “These first-generation college students shoulder many responsibilities, juggling school with family duties and work. TEAI is not only providing these students with the chance to excel academically but with a competitive edge to career success. The opportunities Travelers presents to our students are truly opening doors and changing lives."
TEAI strives to:
- Increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college;
- Help students from underrepresented communities graduate from college;
- Build awareness of careers in insurance and financial services.
“The students we are targeting face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work,” says Ibsen. “Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available,” says Ibsen. “We believe that TEAI provides the comprehensive approach that will be the formula for success for traditionally underrepresented students.”
To date, programs are in place in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Page Education Foundation, Admission Possible and Metropolitan State University; in Maryland through Morgan State University and CollegeBound; and in Connecticut with Capital Community College, Career Beginnings, CPEP and the University of Connecticut.
On October 22 and 23, 2008, all college, university and community partners will come together in Baltimore at the inaugural partners symposium to network and share best practices.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), a leading auto, home and business insurer, provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
* Education Commission of the States, Closing the College Participation Gap – A National Summary, October 2003.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Travelers Launches Education Access Initiative at the University of Connecticut
More
HARTFORD, November 1, 2008 - National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the public educational system.
Kickoff Celebration to be Held at UConn vs. West Virginia
Football Game
HARTFORD, November 1, 2008 - National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the public educational system. This growing population of students is less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary education and complete a college degree.* As such, Travelers (NYSE:TRV) today announced its newest Education Access Initiative partnership with the University of Connecticut. Bill Bloom, Travelers executive vice president of insurance operations and chief information officer, who also serves as the company’s executive leader for the partnership with UConn, and the 39 UConn students participating in the program will take to the field between the first and second quarters of the UConn vs. West Virginia football game for a special program to kick off the initiative.
“Travelers recognizes that it is our responsibility to invest in ways that will contribute to a positive future for our communities,” says Bloom. “Students who will become the workforce of the future will benefit from our investment. Our business will benefit from our ability to recruit from a diverse pool of talented candidates. Communities will benefit as young citizens become effectively engaged in their own future.”
Launched in 2007, the Travelers Education Access Initiative (TEAI) provides an innovative, holistic approach to education. Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based organizations, the company is increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.
“Our partnership with Travelers directly supports our mission of expanding college access and equity for underrepresented students in the state,” says Dolan Evanovich, UConn’s vice president for enrollment planning, management and institutional research. “The TEAI model supports our academic plan and extends the variety of programs we have in place designed to enhance recruitment, retention and the success of our students.”
TEAI strives to:
“The students we are targeting face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work,” says Bloom. “Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available. We believe that TEAI provides the comprehensive approach that will be the formula for success for traditionally underrepresented students.”
To date, programs are in place in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Page Education Foundation, Admission Possible and Metropolitan State University; in Maryland through Morgan State University and CollegeBound; and in Connecticut with Capital Community College, Career Beginnings, CPEP and the University of Connecticut.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), a leading auto, home and business insurer, provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
* Education Commission of the States, Closing the College Participation Gap – A National Summary, October 2003.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
HARTFORD, November 1, 2008 - National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the public educational system. This growing population of students is less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary education and complete a college degree.* As such, Travelers (NYSE:TRV) today announced its newest Education Access Initiative partnership with the University of Connecticut. Bill Bloom, Travelers executive vice president of insurance operations and chief information officer, who also serves as the company’s executive leader for the partnership with UConn, and the 39 UConn students participating in the program will take to the field between the first and second quarters of the UConn vs. West Virginia football game for a special program to kick off the initiative.
“Travelers recognizes that it is our responsibility to invest in ways that will contribute to a positive future for our communities,” says Bloom. “Students who will become the workforce of the future will benefit from our investment. Our business will benefit from our ability to recruit from a diverse pool of talented candidates. Communities will benefit as young citizens become effectively engaged in their own future.”
Launched in 2007, the Travelers Education Access Initiative (TEAI) provides an innovative, holistic approach to education. Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based organizations, the company is increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.
“Our partnership with Travelers directly supports our mission of expanding college access and equity for underrepresented students in the state,” says Dolan Evanovich, UConn’s vice president for enrollment planning, management and institutional research. “The TEAI model supports our academic plan and extends the variety of programs we have in place designed to enhance recruitment, retention and the success of our students.”
TEAI strives to:
- Increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college;
- Help students from underrepresented communities graduate from college;
- Build awareness of careers in insurance and financial services.
“The students we are targeting face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work,” says Bloom. “Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available. We believe that TEAI provides the comprehensive approach that will be the formula for success for traditionally underrepresented students.”
To date, programs are in place in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Page Education Foundation, Admission Possible and Metropolitan State University; in Maryland through Morgan State University and CollegeBound; and in Connecticut with Capital Community College, Career Beginnings, CPEP and the University of Connecticut.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), a leading auto, home and business insurer, provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
* Education Commission of the States, Closing the College Participation Gap – A National Summary, October 2003.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Travelers Grants More Than $17 Million in 2007 Charitable Contributions
More
SAINT PAUL, February 25, 2008 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. and its private foundations granted more than $17 million to charitable organizations across the country in fiscal year 2007.
SAINT PAUL, February 25, 2008 - The Travelers Companies, Inc. and
its private foundations granted more than $17 million to charitable
organizations across the country in fiscal year 2007. Travelers has
been active in the communities where it does business for decades,
investing in organizations committed to education, community
development and arts and culture, and increasing opportunities for
people to succeed.
Education Access
National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the educational system. These growing populations of students are less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary education and complete a college degree. Travelers is committed to increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.
“Underserved students face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work,” says Marlene Ibsen, CEO and president of the Travelers Foundation. “Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available.”
In 2007, Travelers launched its Education Access Initiative, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that underserved students face and help students progress from elementary school to a rigorous high school curriculum which will prepare them to enter college able to compete on an equal level with their peers. Professional development and mentorship opportunities are also in place to build an awareness of, and to help students access, careers in insurance and financial services, providing them with a competitive edge to career success. The initiative is in partnership with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, the University of Connecticut, the Minnesota College Access Network, Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul and Capital Community College in Hartford, and has provided more than $1.5 million in grants in its inaugural year. Travelers provided more than $4 million in additional education-related grants in 2007.
Community Development
Creating new opportunities in housing, employment and economic development is a priority for Travelers. The company provided $4.8 million in support to organizations that empower individuals from urban, low-income and underserved areas to become self sufficient, productive members of the community. “Our investments are aimed to provide disadvantaged youth and adults with the social and economic opportunities they need to succeed,” said Ibsen.
Examples of programs funded include: a grant to the City of Hartford Police Department to support a truancy prevention and intervention program that uses community partnerships to accomplish improved school attendance, delinquency diversion, positive youth development and achievement recognition; funding to the Neighborhood Development Center for economic development assistance to new entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities; and a grant to the Chinatown Community Development Center for neighborhood advocacy and affordable housing development in San Francisco.
Arts and Culture
Travelers recognizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and is committed to supporting organizations that enrich lives and communities through arts and culture. “The arts bring vibrancy to our communities, and provide us with an opportunity to learn about other cultures and discover common interests,” said Ibsen.
Highlights of $2.7 million in arts and culture giving include: funding to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for diverse productions and access programs for low-income individuals; a grant to the Hartford School of Music to provide scholarships for low-income students to attend a post-secondary Diploma School that prepares them for careers in the performing arts; and funding to Art with a Heart to bring interactive art activities to disadvantaged families and children and people with developmental and physical challenges living in the Baltimore area.
A complete list of grants made by Travelers and its private foundations is available on the Web site at www.travelers.com/community.
About Travelers
Travelers provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation. Travelers (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers’ community giving remains focused on community development, education and the arts. The company’s employees are consistently active in community initiatives and give thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Gail Liebl
651.310.6902
Education Access
National trends indicate that higher percentages of students enrolled in K-12 schools will be from communities underserved by the educational system. These growing populations of students are less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary education and complete a college degree. Travelers is committed to increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.
“Underserved students face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work,” says Marlene Ibsen, CEO and president of the Travelers Foundation. “Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available.”
In 2007, Travelers launched its Education Access Initiative, a program designed to remove the barriers to college that underserved students face and help students progress from elementary school to a rigorous high school curriculum which will prepare them to enter college able to compete on an equal level with their peers. Professional development and mentorship opportunities are also in place to build an awareness of, and to help students access, careers in insurance and financial services, providing them with a competitive edge to career success. The initiative is in partnership with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, the University of Connecticut, the Minnesota College Access Network, Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul and Capital Community College in Hartford, and has provided more than $1.5 million in grants in its inaugural year. Travelers provided more than $4 million in additional education-related grants in 2007.
Community Development
Creating new opportunities in housing, employment and economic development is a priority for Travelers. The company provided $4.8 million in support to organizations that empower individuals from urban, low-income and underserved areas to become self sufficient, productive members of the community. “Our investments are aimed to provide disadvantaged youth and adults with the social and economic opportunities they need to succeed,” said Ibsen.
Examples of programs funded include: a grant to the City of Hartford Police Department to support a truancy prevention and intervention program that uses community partnerships to accomplish improved school attendance, delinquency diversion, positive youth development and achievement recognition; funding to the Neighborhood Development Center for economic development assistance to new entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities; and a grant to the Chinatown Community Development Center for neighborhood advocacy and affordable housing development in San Francisco.
Arts and Culture
Travelers recognizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and is committed to supporting organizations that enrich lives and communities through arts and culture. “The arts bring vibrancy to our communities, and provide us with an opportunity to learn about other cultures and discover common interests,” said Ibsen.
Highlights of $2.7 million in arts and culture giving include: funding to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for diverse productions and access programs for low-income individuals; a grant to the Hartford School of Music to provide scholarships for low-income students to attend a post-secondary Diploma School that prepares them for careers in the performing arts; and funding to Art with a Heart to bring interactive art activities to disadvantaged families and children and people with developmental and physical challenges living in the Baltimore area.
A complete list of grants made by Travelers and its private foundations is available on the Web site at www.travelers.com/community.
About Travelers
Travelers provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation. Travelers (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers’ community giving remains focused on community development, education and the arts. The company’s employees are consistently active in community initiatives and give thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Erin Haberman
860.277.3617
Gail Liebl
651.310.6902