Education, Business Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to America’s Children
GE Foundation honored with PTA national award for service to disadvantaged children
CHICAGO (October 2 2007)—Education and business leaders will join PTA tonight at a national gala to show their support of parent involvement, student achievement, and the work of PTAs across the country. The GE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the General Electric Company, will receive the esteemed 2007 PTA Commitment to America's Children Award during the gala beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.
GE Foundation will be honored for its work and contributions to the community, as well as its dedication and service to children. For more than 50 years, the GE Foundation has invested in programs supporting initiatives that improve the access, equity and quality of public education for all children. The foundation has worked for decades to strengthen educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and youth globally and supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world.
"This event provides an opportunity for our country's leaders and child advocates to show their support for the decades of work of PTA members," said Jan Harp Domene, PTA national president. "PTA is honored to recognize corporate citizens like GE under a national light for all the great work they do for children and their support of PTA members and children."
An example of GE Foundation's work for the community includes the College Bound District Program, which aims to increase college-readiness and achieve systemic change across entire school districts. Through the program, the GE Foundation has provided the school districts of Jefferson County, KY, Stamford, CT, Cincinnati, OH and Erie, PA with multi-year grants totaling over $75 million to increase college-readiness among their students. The grants support comprehensive, school/business/community collaborations to improve student achievement across the districts' schools.
Highlighting the importance of an arts education, PTA is featuring a performance tonight by the Charles Flowers High School Jazz Ensemble from Springdale, Md. PTA has always been an advocate for arts education through its Reflections Program. The program has encouraged millions of students across the nation to explore their artistic talents. This year, the Reflections Program kicks-off during PTA Start the Art Week, October 8 - 12.
ABOUT THE COMMITMENT TO AMERICA'S CHILDREN AWARD
The Commitment to America's Children Award celebrates exceptional and distinguished service to the nation's communities by supporting education and children. The award recognizes dedication and leadership on behalf of children, families, and schools. Recipients are those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their commitment to supporting parent involvement in schools; improving educational opportunities for all children; and being a voice on education, health, and safety issues that have an impact on children and families.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit PTA's website for information about the 2007 Commitment to America's Children Gala. Visit www.ge.com/fund for information about GE Foundation's community support.
About PTA
PTA comprises more than 5.5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
