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GE Announces $35 Million in Education Grants for Cincinnati and Stamford Public School Districts As Part of 'College Bound' Program

Posted on: Thursday, 19 October 2006, 09:00 CDT

Today, GE announced education grants totaling $35 million in two public school districts: $20 million to Cincinnati, Ohio; and $15 million to Stamford, CT. Both are the largest non-governmental grants ever received by the districts. The grants are a part of GE's successful "College Bound" program, a five-year, $100 million investment to help increase the number of students who go on to college in targeted U.S. school districts.

These five-year grants will support a comprehensive effort to improve student learning in math and science, close achievement gaps and increase the number of students entering college. Louisville, KY, received a similar $25-million grant last year.

The school district in Cincinnati is comprised of 67 schools with almost 35,000 students and more than 2,500 teachers. Stamford Public Schools are a smaller district, with 20 schools, about 15,000 students and more than 1,200 teachers.

"We can best secure the future success of young Americans by strengthening their skills in math and science and helping prepare them for careers in the growing engineering, science and technology sectors," said Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE.

Bob Corcoran, President, GE Foundation, said "The College Bound District Program is a comprehensive effort by the GE Foundation to strengthen our school systems to better prepare American children to compete for jobs in the world marketplace. The program aims to help improve student achievement scores in math and science, close achievement gaps, and increase the number of students entering college."

The GE Foundation created its College Bound program in 1989, to increase college-going rates at more than 20 high schools across the nation. The Foundation's new district focus seeks to achieve systemic change and student achievement with a strategy that begins with a collaboration between the superintendent, teachers' association and board of education.; Program components include: constituency engagement, management capacity, a rigorous common math and science curriculum, strong professional development and in-depth evaluation In addition, GE executives champion the project in each community and GE Volunteers bring their skills and professional capacity into the schools.

"This grant is supportive, systemic and smart," said Cincinnati Pubic Schools Superintendent, Rosa Blackwell. "It has been constructed in a way that positions our students for success in the 21st century by incorporating high academic standards, best educational practices, collaborative relationships and the expertise of a longstanding partner and global technology leader. I am confident the GE College Bound District Grant will accelerate progress in our schools, especially in the vitally important areas of math and science."

Dr. Joshua P. Starr, Stamford Superintendent of Schools, said, "Stamford Public Schools is committed to preparing every child to graduate ready for college, equipped with 21st century knowledge and skills. GE's investment in Stamford, through the CBDP, supports our mission and will greatly enhance our students' math and science expertise."

Corcoran explained, "GE's approach to philanthropy is to enable institutions to increase student achievement using a systems change model that requires collaboration. We work with the districts' central offices, teachers' organizations, school administrators, local GE Volunteers and the community to achieve that goal together. The College Bound Program is designed to help achieve these by providing educational opportunities and advantages through enriching and standardizing curricula and promoting sustainable, collaborative solutions."

The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to strengthen educational access, equity, and quality for disadvantaged youth globally; and supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world. In 2005, the GE Family contributed more than $220 million to community and educational programs, including $71 million from the GE Foundation. For more information, please visit www.gefoundation.com

Source: Business Wire

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