Target gives $5 million to needy schools

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has announced the names of 50 schools that were selected to receive a $100,000 grant to purchase much-needed resources and improve their learning environments. The $5 million donation from Target to K through 12 schools in 31 states across the country is part of the company’s commitment to education, which includes plans to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.

From Nov. 25, 2011 through Jan. 4, viewers of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" were invited to submit the name of a school in need along with a compelling story explaining why they felt the designated school should receive a grant from Target. Based on the nominations received, Target selected 48 schools and two school districts to receive grants. All grant recipients were chosen based on a number of factors, including consideration of Title I eligibility.

“We all have an important role to play when it comes to ensuring our children and future leaders are academically successful,” said Laysha Ward, president community relations for Target. “Thanks to the thousands of viewers who nominated a school as a potential grant recipient, we are contributing a total of $5 million to schools and districts across the country in hopes of inspiring learning and putting more kids on the path to graduation, ready for college, a career and life.”