Travelers Launches Education Access Initiative at the University of Connecticut

"Travelers recognizes that it is our responsibility to invest in ways that will contribute to a positive future for our communities," says Bloom. "Students who will become the workforce of the future will benefit from our investment. Our business will benefit from our ability to recruit from a diverse pool of talented candidates. Communities will benefit as young citizens become effectively engaged in their own future."

Launched in 2007, the Travelers Education Access Initiative (TEAI) provides an innovative, holistic approach to education. Through partnerships with colleges, universities and community-based organizations, the company is increasing access to higher education and providing students with the opportunity to excel.

"Our partnership with Travelers directly supports our mission of expanding college access and equity for underrepresented students in the state," says Dolan Evanovich, UConn's vice president for enrollment planning, management and institutional research. "The TEAI model supports our academic plan and extends the variety of programs we have in place designed to enhance recruitment, retention and the success of our students."

TEAI strives to:

-- Increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college;

-- Help students from underrepresented communities graduate from college;

-- Build awareness of careers in insurance and financial services.

The program is building the pipeline to college by supporting community- and school-based efforts to help students progress from middle school to a rigorous high school curriculum, which will prepare them to enter college and to be able to compete on an equal level with their peers. Once enrolled in college, students benefit from a broad range of supportive services, including financial support, internships and job shadowing, professional development workshops, and mentorship.

"The students we are targeting face a unique set of obstacles that can interfere with their ability to complete their course work," says Bloom. "Research shows these students are much more likely to achieve success if they have a broad range of supportive programs available. We believe that TEAI provides the comprehensive approach that will be the formula for success for traditionally underrepresented students."

To date, programs are in place in Minnesota through partnerships with the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, Page Education Foundation, Admission Possible and Metropolitan State University; in Maryland through Morgan State University and CollegeBound; and in Connecticut with Capital Community College, Career Beginnings, CPEP and the University of Connecticut.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), a leading auto, home and business insurer, provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding and in-kind services. The company's community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.

* Education Commission of the States, Closing the College Participation Gap -- A National Summary, October 2003.

SOURCE: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. Media Contact Erin Haberman, 860-277-3617 Mobile: 860-305-9130