Friends of Saint Paul College has received a grant of $45,000 for Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment), a program supported by the Travelers Foundation designed to prepare and support low-income and students of color for careers in the insurance and financial services industries.
“We are thrilled about this opportunity to increase support for students in our business programs,” said Executive Director Laura Savin. Saint Paul College offers over ten different business programs leading to insurance and financial services careers including accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, global trade, human resources and marketing.
Travelers Foundation investment will provide funds for both scholarships averaging $3,000 per student and support services including comprehensive advising, networking and entry into internships.
Career pathways for low-income students and students of color are increasingly important as demographics change in the Twin Cities region. The baby boomers are retiring and qualified individuals are needed to fill high-skilled positions. According to a 2015 report of the Minnesota State Demography Center, a growing share of Twin Cities’ high school graduates are from very low-income households. Of those, 40% are African American, 28% are Hispanic and 23% are Asian, while only 8% are White. Among the increasingly diverse population of young adults, a higher proportion will face academic and financial barriers. “Saint Paul College offers pathways to success which are accessible to all members of our community. These pathways are particularly crucial for our low-income students since they offer pathways out of poverty and into livable wage careers,” said President Rassoul Dastmozd.
MORE on Friends of Saint Paul College: The purpose of the Friends of Saint Paul College (Foundation) is to support and uphold the mission of Saint Paul College (College) and to secure charitable gifts and grants in support of Saint Paul College in accordance with funding priorities established by the College.
MORE on Saint Paul College: Saint Paul College was ranked the #1 community college in the nation for the second time (2010 and 2013) by Washington Monthly magazine for student engagement in active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction and support for learning. The College offers 45 associate degree programs, including the Associate in Arts degree, and 80 career certificate and diploma programs. For over 105 years, Saint Paul College has been helping students succeed in high-demand careers. The mission of Saint Paul College is Education for Employment…Education for All.
MORE on Travelers Foundation: Travelers is ensuring opportunity by contributing to efforts that create strong, vibrant communities and offer pathways to success. Through corporate funding and the Travelers Foundation, Travelers targets its giving to three key priorities: academic & career success, thriving neighborhoods and arts & culture. With the primary focus of educating underrepresented students to lead tomorrow's workforce, Travelers also contributes to organizations that aid in developing communities through small business support and neighborhood revitalization, and enriching lives and learning through arts & culture.
