Travelers EDGE Seen as Effective Model in Preparing Underrepresented Students for Workforce

A new report from the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education finds that Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment), a privately-funded, holistic college access and success program of Travelers, is boosting the graduation and employment rates of students who are traditionally underrepresented in the insurance and financial services industry.

This report found that an average of 64 percent of the Travelers EDGE Scholar graduates secured professional employment in the fall immediately following graduation. Of those, 76 percent obtained jobs either at Travelers or elsewhere within the insurance and financial services industry. Other major findings of the Pell Institute report include:

• A dedicated corporate partner with a substantial investment of both financial and human capital support combined with local partnerships and ongoing communications are integral to the success of the model.
• A strong correlation exists between internships and mentoring and successful conversion to full-time employment.
  
• Feasible career aspirations and goal commitment are key to retention; clear pathways and robust supportive services are critical to helping students succeed.
  
• Travelers EDGE has a multiplier effect, meaning it not only has an impact on its participants but also on participants’ family members, friends and surrounding communities.