The Western Union Company and The Western Union Foundation announced it exceeded its goal of pledging $10 million for education programs around the world.

Its efforts, according to a press release, "reached more than $11.5 million in grants and formal donations, a year ahead of schedule."

According to the release, the "Education for Better” commitment "represents more than 250 grants and formal donations in partnership with the Western Union Company, employees, Western Union Agents, other business partners and consumers – benefiting students, teachers and schools in 53 countries via 160 organizations."

“Education is important to both our customers and Western Union," said Patrick Gaston, Western Union Foundation President. "We’re committed to supporting programs around the world that help ensure success for the next generation.”

The release said that two years ago, "Western Union announced its 'Education for Better' program, a three-year commitment.

"The program aimed to provide an average of $10,000 per day for more than 1,000 days in potential Western Union Foundation grant funding for nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations [NGOs] working in the education space, including support for one million days of school," the release said. "'Education for Better' has funded grants to charitable organizations such as UNICEF, Teach For All, UNESCO, Mercy Corps, Pratham, Save the Children and Jobs for America’s Graduates, supporting access to quality educational opportunities worldwide."

In 2014, the release said that "over 7,500 Western Union employees contributed to The Western Union Foundation."

"In addition to 'Education for Better,' The Western Union Foundation has supported major disaster relief efforts, including over $500,000 in support of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and the launch of a million-dollar global business challenge to help fight the Ebola outbreak," the release concluded.

Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor