TI Foundation grant helps expand United Way’s Destination: Graduation program to Collin County
As part of its commitment to making a difference in the community, the Texas Instruments Foundation (TIF) recently approved a $200,000 grant to the United Way for Destination: Graduation, $100,000 of which will help launch the program in Collin County. Funded with an initial gift 2 years ago from the TIF, the Destination: Graduation initiative uses a customized-by-school approach to promote high school graduation rates and the pursuit of advanced education.
“We are committed to Destination: Graduation, having been part of this important community program since its beginning 2 years ago,” said Ann Pomykal, executive director of the TI Foundation. “The Texas Instruments Foundation is proud to fund the expansion of Destination: Graduation into Collin County. This is a tremendous example how, working together through United Way, community resources can be focused on successful strategies that will make a measurable impact and improve lives,” said Ann.
Destination: Graduation aims to increase high school graduation rates through parental involvement, college prep courses and mentoring. At the high schools where the program is offered, there are students who face multiple risk factors which could limit their educational success.
Over the last 2 years, 24 TI employees and retirees have contributed over $140,000 to the program. Their individual donations, combined with the initial seed money and matching grants from the TIF, have resulted in a total of more than $325,000 to Destination: Graduation this past year. The additional grant of $200,000 will enable continuation of the program at a high school in the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) and the expansion to two high schools in Plano ISD in the fall of 2007, based on significant need resulting from changing population demographics in Collin County. The TIF resources are focused on three high schools, but Destination: Graduation has leveraged this so that the overall program includes two other Dallas ISD high schools as well.
“At TI, we recognize that the health and strength of our company is contingent on the state of the communities where we live and operate. By helping these students remain in school, graduate and even go on to college, we can make a difference that will stay with them their entire lives and that will benefit our communities,” said Ann.
For decades, TI has supported United Way in Dallas along with other top local companies. TI has been Dallas' largest contributor for more than 15 years and had more leadership givers last year – individuals who contribute $1,000 or more – than any other Dallas company. TI sites throughout the U.S. strongly support United Way campaigns as well.
“United Way offers TI and other companies the chance to make a difference in our community that I believe is unlike any other philanthropic experience,” said Phil Ritter, senior vice president, TI Public Affairs. “Working with United Way for what matters in our community is unique and rewarding because it delivers results to the most critical issues in the community, it addresses multi-faceted issues and it focuses on helping people and doing their jobs effectively.”
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