California

Stand Up For Sacramento Schools Receives $50,000 Grant from State Farm®

Education took center stage last week as Stand Up For Sacramento Schools received a $50,000 grant from State Farm® during their special State Capital Tour and screening of the film, “Waiting for ‘Superman’.” Joining Stand Up to host the event were Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.

State Farm Public Affairs Manager Brenda Smith presented a $50,000 check to Stand Up to support its efforts to increase Sacramento parent engagement. She used this opportunity to challenge others in the business community to get involved in this issue.

“The facts are clear – when we invest in our young people, we all win,” said Brenda. “We must work together to help as many young people as possible become high school graduates. Mayor Johnson and Stand Up can’t do it alone. One of our first efforts is to involve others in this work,” she added. “We hope this show of support will challenge others in the business community to ‘stand up’ as well.”

Prior to the movie screening, Mayor Johnson expressed his gratitude to State Farm® for their contribution and challenged the 200-viewer audience to also ‘stand up’ for education. After the screening, a panel discussion was held involving Governor Schwarzenegger, Mayor Johnson, Washington D.C. Chancellor Michelle Rhee, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Don Shalvey of the Gates Foundation.

Stand Up For Sacramento’s goal is to improve public education. “Waiting for ‘Superman’” highlights problems with the American public education system, with a goal to share the deeply-rooted issues surrounding the system and identify individuals attempting to fix it who will prepare the next generation for opportunity and success. The film was created by Davis Guggenheim, produced by Participant Media, and is being distributed by Paramount Pictures.

State Farm® supports the release of “Waiting for ‘Superman’” in partnership with a number of businesses, community, and philanthropic partners including America’s Promise Alliance and Business Roundtable.

Click here to learn more about “Waiting for ‘Superman’.”