Target supports education to the tune of $18 million

MINNEAPOLIS Target reported that through its education programs, Take Charge of Education and Target Field Trip Grants, Target has provided more than $18 million to schools across the country for the funding of both in and outside classroom learning since January.

"The U.S. education system is at a crossroads and schools across the country are in need of immediate support and leadership," said Laysha Ward, president of community relations for Target. "Enhancing educational opportunities for our country's children is a top priority at Target and we understand that schools are facing perhaps the most challenging time financially in recent history. Our programs, like Take Charge of Education and Target Field Trip Grants, help make a difference in our communities by investing in the future of our children."

Through its Take Charge of Education program, Target provided $14.7 million in undesignated funds to schools in March for its twice-yearly payout, which can be used for whatever schools need most--from books and school supplies to classroom technology, artist-in-residence programs and extracurricular activities.

The Target Field Trip Grants program makes it it possible for nearly 440,000 students to learn outside the classroom this spring through hands-on field trips at thousands of unique destinations. Four million dollars was awarded to educators for 5,000 trips.