Partnership for a Better Education receives contribution from Sen. Valesky and POMCO

Partnership for a Better Education receives contribution from Sen. Valesky and POMCONovember 16, 2006Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

State Sen. David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) and Robert W. Pomfrey, president of the POMCO Group, today announced a joint $30,000 contribution to The Partnership for Better Education during a classroom visit to the Edward Smith Elementary School in Syracuse. The Partnership for Better Education is the collaborative alliance between Syracuse University and the Syracuse City School District to assist area students in pursuing higher education by providing new opportunities for quality instruction and by improving students’ access to the arts and creative resources for study. The gift will provide additional classroom resources and programs for SCSD students participating in the partnership.

Valesky has secured $15,000 of state funding for the program, with POMCO providing a matching gift. Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor today accepted the contribution on behalf of the program and — along with Valesky and Pomfrey — met with partnership students to view some of the projects on which the students are working.

“Through this generous financial commitment and the vision and leadership of both Sen. Valesky and Robert Pomfrey, the network of collaborative scholarship today grows,” says Cantor. “As a result of their support for the Partnership for Better Education, Syracuse city schoolchildren will have greater access to the enriching educational experiences that inspire creative thinking and innovation early in their educational careers, and build that foundation for success in their lives.”

The partnership was launched in August 2005 as a collaborative alliance between SU and the SCSD to assist area students in pursuing higher education by providing new opportunities for quality instruction and by improving students’ access to the arts and creative resources for study. Using learning communities as the framework for focused interaction between SU and the SCSD, the partnership works to expose students to creative approaches to arts, literacy, science and technology, engineering and math.

“The partnership represents a shared spirit of genuine commitment to our city’s children,” says SCSD Superintendent Daniel G. Lowengard. “The school district is extremely grateful for the support provided by Sen. Valesky and Robert Pomfrey, which will provide immeasurable educational opportunities for our students and staff, and steer students toward personal and career goals.”

One of the first projects under the Partnership for Better Education umbrella was “Literacy Through Photography” (LTP). LTP is a writing and photography project that began last year for all fifth-graders at Edward Smith School. The LTP project was highlighted at the Edward Smith School event as just one example of collaborative engagements of the partnership.

“When our community’s education system improves, everyone wins. The Partnership for Better Education enriches our schools and gives students unique opportunities to succeed,” says Valesky. “The collaboration of the private and public sectors in funding this program is a great model for bringing new resources to our schools.”

“We’re excited to support the Partnership for Better Education that has been so successful in providing the educational programs, resources and support that help keep a college education in sight for so many Syracuse city students,” says Pomfrey. “It is our hope that this funding will help provide a lasting impact on Syracuse City School students as they progress through their education.”

POMCO is a privately held company that began operations in 1978. POMCO is a national professional benefits administrator that provides self-insured medical and workers’ compensation programs to businesses, nonprofits and municipalities. It is ranked among the top 10 percent of benefits administrators nationally.

For more information on the Partnership, visit: http://partnership.syr.edu.