PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 2005--GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), has joined Greater Philadelphia Cares to help improve literacy in local elementary schools through a $100,000 grant from the GE Foundation to Greater Philadelphia Cares' Reading STARS program.
"GE has been a key supporter for Greater Philadelphia Cares Day for more than 10 years by providing volunteers and contributions to help bring needed repairs to local schools," said George Oliver, President & CEO, GE Water & Process Technologies. "The $100,000 grant from the GE Foundation will extend GE's commitment beyond the bricks and mortar of our schools to help improve literacy and make a positive impact on the education of our future leaders."
Greater Philadelphia Cares launched Reading STARS in 2002 to address the pressing need for high-quality, supplemental reading instruction for beginning and remedial readers in the Greater Philadelphia region's public schools. A volunteer-powered program, Reading STARS brings beginning and remedial readers up to grade level reading ability. Built on years of cutting-edge research, Reading STARS brings students who are learning to read up to grade level in an average of 20 hours for kindergartners and first-graders and 40 hours for second- and third-graders.
"Almost half of the students in Philadelphia's public schools are not reading at grade level by the beginning of the fourth grade," said Lissa Hilsee, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Cares. "Because reading opens the door to all learning and the window in which children must gain these skills is relatively small, we feel that Reading STARS is one of the most important programs we can offer."
Since initiating Reading STARS, the program has created a noticeable impact and fueled a growing demand from the community. All sites where the program has been implemented are interested in continuing or expanding it, and new schools and community agencies are asking for the program. Greater Philadelphia Cares is also working with the School District of Philadelphia to incorporate Reading STARS into the extended day program for first and second graders. The partnership between GE and Greater Philadelphia Cares will enable the program to continue and expand throughout the region.
GE Water & Process Technologies
GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company, is an industry leader in solving the world's most pressing water reuse, industrial, irrigation, municipal, and drinking water needs. Through desalination, advanced membrane, separation solutions, water reuse, wastewater management and process technologies, GE delivers added value to its customers by improving performance and product quality, reducing operating costs, and safeguarding the environment through water conservation and energy reduction. For more information on GE Water & Process Technologies, visit www.gewater.com.
Greater Philadelphia Cares
Greater Philadelphia Cares supports the creation of vibrant communities by motivating people to volunteer their time, talents, and resources. We provide a clear path to service for all, enhancing the impact of non-profit agencies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Learn more about Greater Philadelphia Cares at www.philacares.org.
GE Foundation
The GE Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company that invests in initiatives that improve educational opportunity and strengthen community organizations in GE communities. In 2004, the GE Foundation awarded more than $52 million in grants to GE communities around the world. To learn more about the GE Foundation, visit www.ge.com/foundation.
Contacts
GE Water & Process Technologies
Ellen Mellody, 215-942-3307
Cell: 215-989-3025
Email: [email protected]
or
Greater Philadelphia Cares
Lissa Hilsee, 215-564-4544
Cell: 215-720-5776
Email: [email protected]