Seven Local Schools To Share $27M GM Gift

DETROIT (WWJ) - Seven Metro Detroit-area schools will share more than $27 million in a gift from the General Motors Foundation through the United Way of Southeastern Michigan.

Central, East Detroit and Madison Heights high schools have been chosen to participate in the continued "Schools of Excellence" program.

"The leadership of these schools demonstrated not only that they need this chance, but also that they are inspired and totally commited and prepared for the success of the students and the success of their transformation," said Mark Reuss, the President of GM North America.

Mike Brennan, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Michigan said one criteria for selection was a willingness to work with an intermediary.

"They had to have a commitment to work with an educational intermediary to help build capacity,"  Brennan said.

"These are organizations that have a proven track record in working with high schools to insure success. These would be organizations like Institute for Student Achievement and First Things First," he said.

The gift will also pay for early learning community centers designed to help parents get their children ready for kindergarten.

General Motors employees will help mentor students in the program.