Target invests in education

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is investing more than $12 million in schools in 2012 through its library makeover program, and said it plans to give more than $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.



As part of its 2012 library makeover program, Target will renovate libraries at 32 elementary schools and revisit each of the 118 schools that previously received a Target School Library Makeover to provide additional reading resources for students and teachers.

"At Target, we understand that a quality education can empower and prepare children to become the leaders of tomorrow," said Laysha Ward, president community relations for Target. "Through the Target School Library Makeover program and collaboration with partners, educators, parents and caring adults, Target hopes to pave a path to graduation for more U.S. children."

Target will renovate the 32 elementary school libraries in partnership with The Heart of America Foundation. Each of the remodeled spaces will feature 2,000 new books, furniture, carpet and shelves, and a complete technology upgrade including new iPads. Each student will also receive seven new books to take home.

In addition to transforming 32 elementary school libraries, Target will show its continued support of the program's previous library makeover recipients. Target plans to provide $1.5 million in reading grants to more than 100 of these alumni schools. The remaining schools will benefit from a literacy pilot that Target is launching in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. school districts. These districts were chosen based on in-depth research from third-party experts. The literacy program is an addition to a pilot that was launched at six Minneapolis elementary schools in 2011 and is focused on improving reading proficiency by the end of third grade.