Bayer USA Foundation Invests in the Region's Future Workforce through The Pittsburgh Promise

PITTSBURGH, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bayer USA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bayer Corporation, has announced its support for The Pittsburgh Promise through a $500,000 grant dedicated to the long-term scholarship fund for qualifying city public high school graduates.  A longtime supporter of education initiatives, the Bayer USA Foundation continues to invest in education with the goal of advancing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) literacy for the future workforce.  

"In order for science-based companies like Bayer to continue developing innovative  technologies and solutions, we will always need a steady stream of well-educated, well-prepared employees with STEM backgrounds," said Greg Babe, president and CEO of Bayer Corporation and chairman of the Bayer USA Foundation.  "The Pittsburgh Promise's dedication to the region is enabling a stronger workforce of tomorrow."  

"We are grateful to the Bayer USA Foundation for this commitment to the region and for the example it is setting by investing in tomorrow's workforce," said Saleem Ghubril, executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise.  "Bayer is among the area's enlightened corporations, along with other donors to The Promise, when it comes to acknowledging and supporting the need for improving educational opportunities for our young people," added Mr. Ghubril.    

The Pittsburgh Promise has received a number of corporate gifts this year and continues to encourage companies of all sizes, groups and individuals to invest in the development of the region's future workforce.  

Recently, The Pittsburgh Promise was featured by CNN Education Contributor Dr. Steve Perry as an example for America's teachers, parents, decision makers and others concerned about the education of America's children.  The archived segment can be viewed at http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/27/perrys-principles-pittsburgh-promise-pays-for-education/).  

The Promise was also featured in a USA Today story (Jan. 6, 2011) "People of Pittsburgh Pitch in for Education; Mentors, Donors Invest in Promise of Children."  The NFL showcased The Promise on its "The NFL Season: A Biography" Black and Gold edition (Nov. 2010) as one in a series of online features about NFL teams and their communities.  Last year, The Promise was cited by Parents Magazine as a primary reason for Pittsburgh being named among the top cities in America for raising a family.

About Bayer USA Foundation

The Bayer USA Foundation is an endowed 501(c)(3) entity and is the primary source of Bayer Corporation's philanthropy in the United States. With a programmatic focus on the environment and sustainability; education and workforce development; arts and culture; and health and human services, the foundation creates and supports organizations that improve communities in which Bayer employees live and work, as well as society at large. The Bayer USA Foundation is one of three Bayer foundations worldwide, including the Bayer Science & Education Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation.

About The Pittsburgh Promise

The Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship program for Pittsburgh Public School students, advocates for improving the quality of education and increasing the preparedness and diversity of the region's workforce.  Thus far, approximately 2,400 students have received scholarship awards from The Promise.  Pittsburgh has the largest program among seven cities in the United States with such a program to provide advocacy and scholarships for students.  For more information about The Pittsburgh Promise, visit www.pittsburghpromise.org

SOURCE The Pittsburgh Promise