The Travelers Cos. -- formerly St. Paul Cos., before a corporate merger -- said today that it will give St. Paul Public Schools grants to help advance public education reform.

Company officials say they'll spent $1.4 million to support key initiatives to reduce the achievement gap and measurably increase academic and career success for underrepresented students. They say it also will support promote college readiness and access for underrepresented students and leadership development for school principals.

Most of the money will help expand the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which gives traditionally underrepresented students in 11 schools the skills, preparation and encouragement needed to successfully continue their education after high school.

"This partnership ushers in a new era for how our corporations and businesses work with and support critical initiatives in St. Paul Public Schools," Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. "Collaborations like the partnership with Travelers will move us toward long-term solutions."

The public school district plans to make other announcements of "Strategic Priority Partners" in coming weeks.