Ecolab Foundation Awards $912,000 to Teachers in 2013 Through Visions for Learning National Education Grant Program

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 26, 2013 /3BL Media/ - In keeping with its tradition of supporting community schools, Ecolab Inc. has awarded $912,000 in grants to K-12 teachers through the Ecolab Foundation's 2013 Visions for Learning grant program, a 22 percent increase from 2012's $710,000 in grants to teachers. More than 280 schools and thousands of students nationwide benefited from this year's Visions for Learning program, including the distribution of $200,000 in grants to educators in the St. Paul, Minn., area, the home of Ecolab's world headquarters.

"Education is the cornerstone of a bright future and a strong community. Our community giving programs consistently support educational initiatives to help today's students become tomorrow's leaders," said Ecolab Chairman and CEO 
Douglas M. Baker , Jr. "The Ecolab Foundation's Visions for Learning grant program provides K-12 teachers with funds to obtain additional materials to help enrich the classroom experience for students."

Ecolab Foundation Visions for Learning grants are awarded to fund projects that support and engage students, helping to augment basic skills instruction and their overall classroom experience. Projects funded through this year's grants include molecular interaction supplies for a biochemistry class, a set of percussion instruments to enhance hands-on musical experiences, a robotics curriculum that integrates STEM and literacy skills, and independent reading books focused on diverse cultures and communities.

"Saint Paul Public Schools students are so fortunate to have had the support of Ecolab for many years," said Superintendent  
Valeria Silva . "Ecolabunderstands that all parts of the community must work together to ensure the strength and effectiveness of our public schools."

Since 1986, Ecolab has distributed $10.1 million through its Visions for Learning grant program to schools throughout the country.

The Ecolab Foundation contributes to the quality of life in the communities where the company operates, supporting organizations and programs focused on youth and education, civic and community development, arts and culture, and the environment and conservation.

About Ecolab
A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With 2012 sales of $12 billion and 44,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use and improve operational efficiencies for customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world.

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Ecolab Inc.
Kris Taylor , 651-293-2259
MediaRelations@Ecolab.com