ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov 05, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In keeping with its quarter of a century tradition of supporting
community schools, Ecolab Inc. has awarded more than $775,000 in 2009
through its Ecolab Foundation's Visions for Learning grant
program in 12 communities across the U.S., with $190,000 distributed in
the St. Paul area. More than 300 schools and thousands of students
benefited from the program this year nationwide.
"Ecolab has always consistently supported education, utilizing a variety
of means," said Douglas M. Baker, Ecolab's Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer. "The focus of the Visions for Learning grant
program is to help augment the classroom curriculum for students in
grades K-12 by providing additional classroom materials to help reach
learning goals. We know teachers frequently spend personal funds on
materials to improve the learning experience for their students. We feel
strongly that partnering with teachers to improve classroom materials
and their availability helps student achievement."
Suzanne Kelly, Interim Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools
commented, saying, "Ecolab's longstanding partnership with the Saint
Paul Public Schools is a testament to the company's commitment to
supporting excellence in education. Ecolab sets an example of strong
corporate involvement by contributing time, talent and resources to our
community and our students."
Since the inception of the program, nearly $6 million has been
distributed nationally through the Visions for Learning program
supporting teachers and schools across the country. The Visions for
Learning grants are given tokindergarten through-12th
grade teachers to support and engage students, helping them to achieve
at-grade level in basic skills and enrich the classroom experience.
Projects funded this year included materials for biotechnology kits used
to explore the technology of DNA, materials for a Family Literacy
Program and curriculum materials for a multicultural and ecological
study of plants, animals and people in their environments across the
globe. In total, the Ecolab Foundation will contribute over $6 million
in 2009 to communities where Ecolab associates live and work.
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc.
(NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety
and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers
comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage
processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160
countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-C)
SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Kris Taylor, 651-293-2259
Copyright Business Wire 2009