Chase donates $2.5 million to HISD's Apollo 20 program

HOUSTON

The check presentation took place Monday afternoon at Key Middle School, one of the campuses taking part in the Apollo 20 program. The school district says the donation is the largest single contribution to Apollo 20, a three-year program which aims to transform failing schools.

"This generous donation from Chase represents a smart investment in Houston's future," said Paula, president of the HISD Board of Education. "Thousands of students are now getting the extra help they need to bring college and great careers within their reach."

"The issue of turning around schools is not a Houston phenomenon. It's all over the world and there has not been a turnaround model yet that's proven to work," HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier said. "Unfortunately, we have sat by as these schools sank academically year after year. Turning them around will take time and hard work."

Apollo 20 began with five middle schools (Key, Dowling, Attucks, Ryan, and Fondren), and four high schools (Jones, Kashmere, Lee, and Sharpstown) during the 2010-2011 school year. The program will expand into 11 elementary schools for the 2011-2012 school year.