Today, TargetCorp. (NYSE:TGT) announces plans to impact 150 elementary schools through its 2012 Target School Library Makeover program. The retailer 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. This initiative represents an investment of more than $12 million and is part of Target’s plans to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.
“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, 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. To nurture a love of reading beyond the classroom, each student will also receive seven new books to take home.
The makeovers will leverage the pro bono work of Target’s design and construction teams, along with the support of thousands of Target team member volunteers. In an effort to combat hunger and its impact on learning, schools will have the option to receive a Target Meals for Minds food pantry. In partnership with local Feeding America affiliates, schools will receive monthly distributions of fresh produce and staple foods for students and their families.
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.
By committing financial resources and the time, talent and expertise of its more than 365,000 team members, Target is doing its part to address the education crisis in America and build strong communities. Target’s financial commitment is just one way the company is helping more U.S. children get or stay on the path to high school graduation.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,765 stores across the United States and at Target.com. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.