St. Paul Travelers Focuses On Access to Higher Education in Latest Round of Grants

St. Paul Travelers, St. Paul, has announced its 2005 first quarter grants to community organizations in the Twin Cities area.

Of the $2.6 million in grants awarded, more than $1 million is supporting education programs and improving college access for low-income students and students of color.

"There are so many young people who have what it takes to be successful, and it is our obligation to help them achieve their potential," said Mary Pickard, president of the St. Paul Travelers Foundation. "But gaining access to college can be particularly difficult for low-income students and students of color. While improving college access requires much hard work and commitment from all of us, it can be done. We can create a community where children have the tools they need to succeed, and where opportunities for success are available."

During the first quarter of 2005, the St. Paul Travelers Foundation approved grants to several organizations working to improve college access. In Minnesota, Admission Possible in St. Paul received $20,000 to help low-income students prepare for and achieve admission to higher education. The Page Education Foundation received $20,000 for scholarship support to help Minnesota’s low-income students of color attend post-secondary institutions. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities received $20,000 in support of its school-based mentoring program focused on helping at-risk students in the St. Paul Public Schools be successful in school.

Between January and March 2005, St. Paul Travelers and its two private foundations collectively made 100 grants or charitable gifts in three focus areas geared toward fostering strong, healthy and vital communities. The grant and gift awards include:

The St. Paul Travelers Connecticut Foundation awarded grants in the Hartford, Conn. region and other communities across the United States.

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