Ecolab Donates $710,000 to Teachers Through National Education Grant Program

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In keeping with its quarter-century tradition of supporting community schools, Ecolab Inc. has awarded $710,000 in 2011 through its Ecolab Foundation’s Visions for Learning grant program in 12 communities in which it operates across the U.S. More than 300 schools and thousands of students nationwide benefited from the program this year.

“Ecolab has consistently supported education through multiple programs to better reach and benefit students”

“Ecolab has consistently supported education through multiple programs to better reach and benefit students,” said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our largest program, the Visions for Learning grant program, provides additional classroom materials to help students in grades K-12 reach their learning goals. By providing teachers with additional classroom materials that they otherwise might purchase with personal funds, we’re able to enhance the educational experience and achievement for both teachers and students.”

Ecolab has distributed $8.7 million nationally through its Visions for Learning program. The Visions for Learning grants are given to kindergarten through 12^th grade teachers to support and engage students, helping them to achieve at-grade level in basic skills and enrich the classroom experience. Projects funded this year include handheld digital microscopes for interactive scientific investigations, chemistry lab kits, social studies texts, a classroom set of percussion instruments to enhance student hands-on musical experience and independent reading books focused on diverse cultures and communities.

The Ecolab Foundation contributes to the quality of life in the communities where it operates, supporting organizations and programs that strengthen and enrich the community, focusing on youth and education, civic and community development, arts and culture, and the environment and conservation. The Ecolab Foundation will contribute more than $5 million in 2011 to communities where Ecolab associates live and work.

With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.

(ECL-C)