Kroger commits another $4.9M for schools
Expanding technology for students at an Indianapolis elementary school.
Increasing opportunities to teach science, technology, engineering and math.
That is how the Kroger Co. Central Division will spend some of $4.9 million worth of grants through 2016 as part of its second three-year plan to strengthen K-12 education.
Kroger officials, school leaders and elected officials are scheduled to announce the program this morning at the grocery chain's Indianapolis headquarters.
Today's announcement follows a nearly $4 million investment from 2011 to 2013 to Indiana schools and other education-related organizations that boost children's skills or provide classroom supplies to teachers.
In this new funding cycle, Kroger will continue its 29-year partnership with the Daniel Webster Family Academy, also known as Indianapolis Public School 46.
The company will provide $300,000 to be spent on scholarships, basic needs, teacher training and volunteer hours during the next three yeas. In addition, the IPS Education Foundation will receive $102,000 to expand education technology at the Near-Westside school.
"It is just so refreshing to experience this as a superintendent, to see how a business and a school can work together," IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee said. "They have fostered a very fruitful relationship."
John A. Elliott, public affairs manager for Kroger, said the company wants to contribute beyond its tax dollars to ensure strong schools can help create a strong economy.
"The quality of the students that the school produces defines our future workforce," he said. "If the school produces F students, that's the future workforce for Kroger and other employers. If the schools produce A students, then we have an A workforce."
Kroger also will donate a total of $502,000 to 10 organizations, including Conner Prairie's STEM skills program and Indiana Youth Institute's statewide guidance counselor and school leadership conference. Both of those programs are receiving Kroger funding for the first time.
Bill Stanczykiewicz, president and CEO of the Youth Institute, said the $45,000 for its conference will help train counselors to better guide students as they consider applying for colleges and apprenticeship programs.
In addition, $1.13 million will be divided among the Summer Youth Program Fund, grant programs and more than 460 schools and church preschools.
Call Star reporter Eric Weddle at (317) 444-6222. Follow him on Twitter: @ericweddle.