News Release
Continental Airlines and American Express Make $1 Million Commitment to Support New York City Public Schools
Funding will support two programs: Library Improvement Initiative and College Scholarship Fund
NEW YORK CITY, October 4, 1999 -- As part of its commitment to NYC 2000, with Mayor Giuliani, Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) announced today that it is teaming up with American Express to provide $1 million in support of New York City schools. The money will be divided equally between an initiative to re-build libraries in New York City elementary and middle schools and a college scholarship program for graduating seniors.
Continental and American Express plan to fund the Millennium Library Project through a cause-related marketing program. The funds will be used to improve libraries in New York City elementary and middle schools. The program will provide much-needed books and software titles that can greatly enrich students’ learning experience. Targeted schools have been identified by The Board of Education as having low reading scores and needing to significantly improve student performance.
Extending their commitment to students in need, Continental and American Express have also created the Continental/American Express NYC 2000 Millennium Scholarship. Each year, the fund will award fifty $2,000 scholarships to students who have demonstrated superior academic and community achievement. The program is open to graduating seniors throughout the city who attend high schools that have been identified by the Board of Education as in need of significant improvement in student performance.
"It is vital to us and to all New Yorkers that we help educate our youth so they can help us be successful in the next century," said Gordon Bethune, Chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines, speaking at a press conference at City Hall with Mayor Rudy Giuliani. "As a major employer in the region, with more than 11,000 employees locally, we’re proud to contribute to this pool of future talent that makes the Big Apple a great place to do business."
"We are so pleased to be joining Continental Airlines in an effort to improve the New York City public schools. Giving back is one of the core values that governs American Express-and there is perhaps no issue that more deeply affects our future than the education of our children," said David C. House, president, Establishment Services Worldwide, American Express.
"The new millennium is more than a unique opportunity for celebration; it is a chance to redouble our efforts to better prepare our children to face the challenges of the next century," said Mayor Giuliani. "This public/private partnership with Continental Airlines and American Express will go a long way in educating our children and ensuring that they are ready to face those challenges."
"I want to thank Continental Airlines and American Express for their generosity in funding these school libraries and college scholarships," said Schools Chancellor Rudolph F. Crew. "Beyond my sincere thanks, though, are congratulations to both companies for working together to identify two areas of great need for our children in schools that are striving to reach and exceed a higher academic standard."
Continental is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., offering more than 2,200 departures daily to 130 domestic and 85 international destinations. Operating major hubs in Houston, Newark and Cleveland, Continental (http://www.continental.com) has extensive service throughout the Americas, and to Europe and Asia. Continental recently initiated a strategic global alliance with Northwest Airlines. Continental is in the top half of Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work for in America," and has won first or second place FrequentFlyer magazine and J.D. Power awards for four consecutive years. Continental has received numerous awards for its BusinessFirst premium cabin (Condé Nast Traveler, OAG Official Airline Guides, Entrepreneur and Smart Money magazines), OnePass frequent flyer program (InsideFlyer’s Freddie Awards) and overall operations and management (Air Transport World’s 1997 Airline of the Year).
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Express Company, a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.