In a report released January 7th,  the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education is lauding The Travelers Companies, Inc.’s Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dream for Graduation and Employment) as a national model for college access and professional development of undergraduates.

Travelers EDGE was launched at Capital Community College in 2007,  supporting CCC’s Crossroads To Careers (C3) program that will involve a sixth cohort of new students this year.

The Institute’s in-depth report, “Travelers EDGE: A Model on The Cutting Edge of Corporate College Access and Support” cites EDGE’ potential as a national model. It credits the program for its broad reach approach that funds general academic and career awareness programs for middle- and high-school students, and applauds its direct aid in helping 66 underrepresented students obtain bachelor’s degrees – 16 of whom were hired by Travelers.

The study notes that many students feel Travelers EDGE “truly cares about [their] development,” and the report recognizes the program’s “supportive culture” that has led many student interns to want to continue working at Travelers. Abby Miller, who researched Travelers EDGE and subsequently co-authored the report, said, “Travelers is not only one of the nation’s largest insurers, but also a very strong corporate citizen. Through Travelers EDGE and the company’s broad commitment to education, Travelers is improving opportunities for today’s students and preparing tomorrow’s business leaders. This program fosters collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s education system and sets a high benchmark by which we’re creating pathways to success for the next generation.”

“We are pleased with the impact of Travelers EDGE and will work to bring even more Travelers EDGE scholars into the program to grow and develop our next generation of talent and leaders,” said Marlene Ibsen, Vice President of Community Relations for Travelers. “We could not be more proud of the students, and we are incredibly grateful to our partners for their commitment to this program. Our work in education in Connecticut, Minnesota and Maryland would not have been possible without their hard work and support.”

Report authors also praise the program’s ongoing review and improvement process: “Measuring and assessing results is ingrained in the core of the Travelers corporate culture…The continuing development of the Travelers EDGE program in a receptive culture of continuous program improvement establishes Travelers EDGE as a model on the ‘cutting edge’ of corporate college access and success support.”

Teresa Frausto, a Travelers EDGE scholar and alumna who is now employed by Travelers as an underwriter, stresses the impact and importance of the program: “Travelers EDGE has helped me discover my career path and passion in life. I received endless opportunities and developed transferable skills that I apply to my job every day.”

The Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education conducts and disseminates research and policy analysis to encourage policymakers, educators, and the public to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. The Pell Institute is the first research institute to specifically address the issues impacting educational opportunity for this growing population. To examine these issues, the Pell Institute conducts independent research in three areas: access, success, and innovation.

 About Travelers EDGE

Established in 2007, Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment) provides a holistic approach to education through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based programs to increase the pipeline of underrepresented students completing bachelor’s degrees.. Travelers EDGE partnerships are currently in Connecticut, Maryland and Minnesota.

 – from www.pellinstitute.org